MOSCOW, Idaho -- The Idaho volleyball team (1-11, 0-1 BSC) battled to four sets against conference foe Portland State (2-10, 1-0 BSC), ultimately falling 17-25, 18-25, 25-21, 20-25 in their Big Sky home opener on Thursday night inside Memorial Gym.

Madu Fontes and Chiara Gennari made their presence felt on the attack, each supplying double-digit kills in the first match of conference play. Fontes led the team with 12 kills and 13 digs for her second double-double of the season while Gennari added 10 kills on a .450 hitting percentage. Zuzanna Wieczorek supplied seven kills of her own and posted a team-best four blocks in the effort. 

Despite scoring the opening two points of the match, Idaho quickly saw the Vikings score six straight points to make it 6-2 early on in the first set. Idaho made it a two-point match later in the frame before Portland State quickly found a grove to build a 10-point cushion (17-7). The Vandals continued to battle scoring nine of the final 13 points, but PSU ultimately prevailed, 25-17. 

With a pair of 3-0 runs by both teams in the second, neither side could build separation as five ties and three lead changes transpired midway through. The Vikings chipped away with a strong effort on the offensive end that included 17 kills and hitting .368 to hold on and go up 2-0 with a 25-18 win. 

With their backs against the wall, the Vandals responded in the third set to earn a 25-21 victory. An impressive offensive effort in the third saw Idaho strike a .323 hitting percentage with 15 kills. The Vandals were powered by Gennari's five kills in the set, a crucial 4-0 run early and another 7-3 spurt to gain breathing room before taking the set. 

After Idaho used a 3-0 spurt to go up 4-3 in the fourth, Portland State scored six straight points to make it 9-4. The Vandals would bring it back within a two-point game at multiple points late in the set before the Vikings were eventually able to hold off a comeback, earning a 25-20 win to close the match. 

The Vandals continue conference play on Saturday, September 28 in Ogden, Utah to take on Weber State. First serve is scheduled for noon PST and will be broadcast live on ESPN+. 

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