OGDEN, Utah - After collecting the program's first conference win since 2022, Idaho Volleyball continued Big Sky play with momentum unseen in Moscow in quite a few years.
The Vandals continued league play with their second and third road matches in as many opportunities, but this time traveling from one end of the Palouse to the other to going from one side of the state of Idaho to the other, first taking on in-state rival Idaho State in Pocatello followed by Weber State just south of there in Ogden, Utah.
On Thursday, the brave and bold infiltrated Reed Gym on Idaho State's campus, taking on their in-state rival for the first of two chances this season. To say that the first set was back-and-forth would be an understatement, as 15 of the 31 total ties took place in that frame alone. The Vandals kept each set close, with timely attacks from Kiana Greer, Cayton White, and Koen Makaula keeping the momentum coming before Idaho fell by two in the first set.
In the second, the black and gold climbed back from an early 4-8 deficit to take a 9-8 lead, taking advantage of Sarah Sullivan gaining momentum on offense and Bengal errors to march back. Ultimately, knotted at 10-10, two 4-0 runs from Idaho State clinched the 2-0 lead. UI would respond with a 3-0 lead in the third set and, despite neither team having a run of more than 3, the Vandals made the right plays and affirmed that they weren't done by taking the set win with their backs against the wall.
The momentum carried Idaho into the fourth frame, starting out with a 3-0 run once again. However, the Bengals put up six straight to take the lead and put up another such run to claim a lead they would hold for the rest of the night, cementing the 3-1 result with back to back Abby McClain kills.
On Saturday, UI returned to action just south of the state border in Ogden vs. Weber State. The Wildcats, who came into the match tied for the top spot in the conference with a 3-1 record, lived up to the billing with a strong offensive effort right off the bat, claiming the first set 25-18. The Vandals responded strong, however, by marching out to an 8-5 lead after the break. WSU climbed back in and took the lead back halfway through the frame and, despite UI's efforts to climb back, closed out the set for the 2-0 lead. The final set went the way of the hosts to close out the week for the Vandals.
UP NEXT
Idaho returns to action in the comforts of Memorial Gym, hosting Northern Colorado on Thursday, Oct. 16 and Northern Arizona on the following Saturday. The matinee vs. NAU will serve as the Vandals' annual breast cancer awareness, A.K.A. "Block out Cancer"
FINAL NOTES
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After the latest week of conference play, Kiana Greer maintains her team lead in kills with 195. The gap gets tighter each week, however, with Cayton White just behind at 192.
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Ada Isik got her first major action of the season at setter vs. Idaho State and tallied six assists, third-most in the match.
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Koen Makaula had a career night vs. Idaho State, tallying seven kills and nine total blocks while hitting .353.
FOLLOW THE VANDALS
To stay up to date on Idaho Volleyball, follow the team on Instagram(vandalvolleyball), X(IdahoVolleyball), and visit govandals.com
