MOSCOW, Idaho - A season that has featured ups and downs, but way more ups than in years past, is set to come to a close after the final two matches of the season on Wednesday and Friday. Having been eliminated from conference tournament contention, Idaho will look to put its best foot forward for the final week of the year and honor those who have given their heart and soul to the program throughout their college careers.
The final week of the year commences on Wednesday with Portland State coming to Memorial Gym at 6:00 PM and the season finale vs. Sacramento State on Friday at 5:00 PM.
RE-SCOUTING PORTLAND STATE
With the Big Sky's top-eight already locked, both of Idaho's opponents this week have secured a berth to the conference tournament next week in Greeley. At one point sitting among the top half of the league's teams, Portland State (11-14, 7-7 BSC) has endured a two-match skid to fall to .500 in league matches and seventh in the standings. For the Vikings, a tiebreaker over Idaho State has ensured that they cannot slide any lower than where they are, but winning out and some timely losses from teams just above them could propel PSU as high as fifth by season's end.
Reese Biesemeyer (.353) and Naomi White (.349) have been two of the most efficient hitters in the league all season long, holding the seventh and eighth spots in the top-10, respectively. The third prong in that attack is Alivia Eikenberg, who has the third most kills/set with 3.79. Paige Stepaniuk has been one of the most consistent liberos in the conference and averages 4.26 digs/set, one of just four players in the Big Sky to average 4.00+
RE-SCOUTING SAC STATE
Having also locked down a tournament seed, the stakes are a bit different for Sacramento State, as the Hornets (17-9, 10-4 BSC) have a shot to secure a share of the regular season title in their last season in the Big Sky. With a tiebreaker over #5 Montana State secured earlier this year, Sac State can finish as high as a tie for first place or as low as fourth, depending how the last week shakes out.
Victoria Marthaler has been the conference's top offensive weapon all year long, averaging 4.98 kills/set, over a full kill more than second place. Ashlynn Archer has another top-ranked offensive category as the most efficient hitter in the league (.429) off 270 kills. Kate Doorn paces the Hornet offense with the third most assists/set (9.79), and also puts up points herself as with the second-most service aces/set (0.42).
SENIOR DAY
Friday's action will also serve as senior day for the Vandal Volleyball program. Head coach Romana Redondo Kriskova and Assistant Coach Ben Kasun invite fans to stick around after the match ends to recognize Madu Fontes for her decorated college career and everything she gave to the Moscow community. Additionally, coaches, players, and staff will be recognizing Tristan Moody and Ga Sum Isotov-Chang, two male practice players who have spent their college careers bringing energy, effort, and enthusiasm to the gym every day.
A handful of schedule posters will be available at the ticket stand, and fans are encouraged to bring theirs as the team will be signing autographs following the senior day ceremony.
FOLLOW THE VANDALS
To stay up to date with Vandal Volleyball, follow the team on Instagram(vandalvolleyball), X(IdahoVolleyball) and visit govandals.com
