MOSCOW, Idaho – Returning to action after finishing 1-2 in the return of the Vandal Volleyball Invitational last weekend, Idaho Volleyball is set to travel for its second straight early-season tournament at Seattle U.

The 2025 slate brings another chance for the Vandals to match up against programs representing both regional and national levels. Last week marked the return of the Vandal Volleyball Invitational, and this week, the program will once again face three squads for a three-day battle.

This year's field features Manhattan, Seattle U, and Cal State Fullerton, who will join the Vandals for three total matches from Thursday to Saturday. The action begins on September 4th, with Manhattan on opening day and the final two to wrap up the weekend.

SCOUTING MANHATTAN
It was a challenging year for the Jaspers, securing just a single win for a 1-28 record on the year. With a winless record in conference play and on home court, this campaign marked one of the tougher seasons in recent memory.

In a hard-fought five-set thriller last season against Morgan State, Manhattan's most notable returner, Sarah Emmons gathered a match-high 47 assists.

Manhattan went 1-2 last weekend, with a three-set win against Houston Christian and losses to New Mexico and the Big Sky's Northern Arizona. 
Despite the results, standout performances, particularly from Emmons, showed that individual talent shone through, even amid team adversity.

SCOUTING SEATTLE U
During the 2024 season, the Seattle University Redhawks posted an 8–19 overall record, with a 6–10 mark in WAC conference play.

With last year's top offensive players not returning in the lineup, standout defensive players Marley Hardgrave and Yasmine Elmas are back, expecting to be key contributors. 

Hardgrave led the Redhawks in blocks, tallying 80 for a career record and leading the team with a .274 hitting percentage, which ranked seventh in the WAC. Elmas was just behind with 74 blocks and posting 153 kills, hitting .254 to rank second on the team over the last season.


SCOUTING CAL STATE FULLERTON
Cal State Fullerton endured a challenging 2024 season, finishing 4–24 overall and winless in Big West play (0–18). Despite the tough record, the Titans displayed flashes of competitiveness and individual talent, gaining valuable experience.

That resilience was on full display just last week, as Cal State Fullerton pushed Idaho to a thrilling five-set battle at the Vandal Volleyball Invitational that they won, highlighting both teams' determination and setting the tone for a competitive 2025 season.

Freshmen Mia Feldhaus, an international recruit from Germany, and Zariah Crosby from California have already bolstered the team's defensive efforts, with Feldhaus sitting tied at first on the team in digs with 37 on the season and Crosby tied leading blocks with 11.

SEATTLE U TOURNAMENT VANDAL SCHEDULE
(All matches to take place in Redhawk Center)

The Vandals' three matches will be broadcast on ESPN+. Links to live broadcasts and stats can be found by visiting govandals.com 

Thursday, September 4 

Idaho vs Manhattan - 3:00 PM PST

Friday, September 5

Idaho vs Seattle U - 4:00 PM PST

Saturday, September 6

Idaho vs Cal State Fullerton - 10:00 AM PST

FOLLOW THE VANDALS
To stay up to date with Idaho Volleyball, follow the team on Instagram(vandalvolleyball), X(IdahoVolleyball) and visit govandals.com.