Bengals Win Conference Opener in Thrilling Five-Set Match

Idaho State volleyball won its first conference opener since the 2018 season Thursday night in Pocatello. The Bengals 3-2 (20-25, 23-25, 25-14, 25-20, 15-12) reverse sweep victory over a conference opponent is the first for the Orange and Black since Oct. 2017.

With the win the Bengals snap a four-game losing streak and is the first win for the Bengals over the Hornets since 2018. 

Idaho State dropped nail-biters in both the first (20-25) and second sets (23-25). After the second set, it was looking like the third was going to follow suit. But the Bengals fought back and went on a hot streak. 

In the third set facing a sweep, the Bengals came alive and took the set 25-14.

Not settling to just stay alive after the set, the Bengals rode that momentum into the fourth set, taking it 25-20. In the fourth, the Orange and Black took the lead and never looked back. leading the entire way to force a decisive fifth set. 

After mounting an amazing comeback, the Bengals went into the fifth set. Points were exchanged back and forth between both teams at the start. The Hornets then went on a run that saw Sacramento State take a 12-8 lead late in the fifth set. Staring down a possible loss, the Bengals didn't blink. Going on a completely dominant 7-0 run to close out the set and the match 3-2.  

Kennedy Tracy led the way for the Bengals with 15 kills, 17 points, and 58 attacks. 

Aliya Sopoaga had a 17 assist 12 dig double-double 
 

The real difference maker in this match was in the blocks department. The Bengals recorded 18 blocks while only 6 were recorded for Sacramento State. Kaia Rhodes led the way with 9 of those blocks and another seven came from Sadie Bluth. 

On another exciting note, Reagan Kunz, recorded her 600th kill of her career. 

Bengals volleyball will take on Portland State on Saturday September 25 at 7 p.m. at Reed Gym.