Sept. 19, 2005
Box Score
Logan, UT--Despite winning game one 30-21, Idaho State dropped the next three to fall 3-1 to Utah State Monday night at the Smith Spectrum in Logan, Utah. The match was a final tune-up for the Bengals, who open Big Sky Conference play Sept. 22 against Portland State at Reed Gym.
After losing 30-21 in the first game, ISU dropped a 21-30 decision in game two before dropping 19-30 and 19-30 in games three and four. The loss drops Idaho State to 6-8 on the season, while Utah State improves to 7-6.
"Our offense was rolling in game one," said ISU head coach Mike Welch. "But our defense declined as the match went on and that hurt us. Utah State is a very talented team that has knocked off a couple of top-25 teams this season. We didn't play to our potential tonight."
Felice Yocopis led the Bengals with a 17-kill, 11-dig effort--her 13th double-double of the season. The senior outside hitter also recorded a .207 attack percentage with three assists and two blocks.
Nikki Havens helped the effort with 11 kills with just five errors on 26 attacks. Havens also tallied six digs. Amanda Bevens and Lisa Bushman led the offensive effort, combining for 37 assists. Bri Beal helped with a noteworthy 11 digs.
As a team, Idaho State notched 45 kills and 49 digs with a .192 hitting percentage compared to Utah State's 81 kills, 13 digs, and .337 attack percentage. Zuzana Cernianska led the Aggies with a match-high 20 kills and 13 digs.
Idaho State returns to action on Sept. 22 when the team host Portland State in the squad's Big Sky Conference opener.
"We're looking forward to conference play," Welch said. "We had a long talk tonight about Big Sky play. Our team knows that the tem that plays with the most spirit and heart will win. We have a very competitive league, and we'll have to be at our best every game. We are looking forward to it."
