BY MATT GITTINS, ISU SPORTS INFORMATIONPOCATELLO, Idaho – The Idaho State volleyball team ran their winning streak to a season-high eight straight matches, defeating Portland State 3-1 (25-15, 25-17, 17-25 and 25-19) Thursday night at the ICCU Court inside Reed Gym.
"There were some times tonight where the kids really hustled," Head Coach
Chad Teichert said. "If you aren't making those types of plays every set you won't be a very good team. We have to expect that."
The win improves ISU's record to 12-1 in Big Sky play which is the best start to a conference season since 1990. The Bengals lead the Big Sky by two games with just three remaining in the regular season. The team with the best record earns the right to host the post-season tournament.
"I think we have to perform at a high level on a consistent basis," Teichert said. "When we do that we are pretty darn good. I want us to compete on every play. I am pleased with the win because Portland State has really good athletes and they have a super coach."
Whitney Bartschi-Harrington had 10 kills on just 18 attacks (.389). She has had an attack percentage over .300 in five straight matches and eight of the last 10
"I think a lot of that comes from the pass and the set," Bartschi-Harrington said. "My teammates did a really good job of setting me up."
The Bengals held the Vikings to just a .144 attack percentage led by double-digit digs from
Alydia Fields-Grimm (16),
Amy Sorensen (12), and
Tressa Lyman (10).
"When we are on a roll and working well together it's a lot of fun," Fields-Grimm said. "It reminds you why you play this game because it is fun to be out there."
Lyman (17 kills and 10 digs) and Sorensen (10 kills and 12 digs) each posted a double-double while
Hayley Farrer led the team in assists with 46.
Idaho State welcomes Sacramento State to Pocatello Saturday night. The match is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. on the ICCU Court inside Reed Gym.
"There are always things we can do better at. We can never be satisfied." Fields-Grimm said
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We Are Your Bengals
