Bengals Defeat Weber State in Intense Conference Clash, Move to 4-1 in Big Sky Play

Pocatello, ID - Idaho State Volleyball put on a thrilling performance in front of a packed Reed Gym crowd as they took on Weber State in a crucial Big Sky Conference showdown. The Bengals, sitting at 3-1 in conference play, sought to solidify their position near the top of the standings, and they did just that in an electrifying five-set victory over the Wildcats.
 
The match began with Weber State setting the tone despite a roaring home crowd for the highly anticipated "Orange Out" night. The Wildcats came out strong in the opening set, powered by a dynamic offense and aggressive serving. Ashley Gneiting, who has been a standout all season for Weber, continued to dominate at the net, leading Weber to a 25-17 first-set win.
 
Idaho State, however, was not to be outdone. The Bengals rallied in the second set, fueled by a loud home crowd and Jaydin Watts'  cannon of an arm, ultimately taking it 25-20.
   
 The Bengals found themselves in a battle as both teams traded powerful kills and lengthy rallies, showcasing the intensity of the rivalry.
Set three saw the Bengals' shift into high gear. The number 1 blocking team continued as Jaydin Watts was all over the place.
   
With setter Aliyah Sopo'aga orchestrating the offense and delivering pinpoint sets, Idaho State capitalized on a well-rounded team effort to claim the set 25-16.
 
The fourth set proved to be a dog fight, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for each point. Sadie Bluth rose to the occasion, demonstrating why she's among the Bengals' top offensive threats as she nears her 1,000^th career kill. Despite the Bengals' resilience, Weber State retained the lead, taking the set 25-21 and forcing a decisive fifth set.
 
In the final set, the Wildcats came out swinging, dimming the noise from the home crowd going up 6-2. The Bengals then chipped that lead away notching 5 unanswered points as Bengal Nation roared back to life. Watts and Bluth seemed near unstoppable, each delivering timely kills and blocks to propel Idaho State ahead.
    The Wildcats made a late push, but the Bengals dominated the remainder of the match 15-11, securing a crucial 3-2 victory (17-25, 25-20, 25-16, 21-25, 15-11) to remain a top contender in the Big Sky.
 
BENGAL BITES

• The rivalry win over the Wildcats marks the first time Idaho State has beaten Weber at home since October 14^th, 2017.
• Sadie Bluth led the Bengals with an impressive 16 kills and 5 blocks, continuing to assert herself as a dominant force at the net.
• Idaho State's defense was formidable, totaling 11 team blocks, and maintaining their spot as the top blocking team in the nation (217).
• Seniors Sadie Bluth and Jamie Streit are inching closer to career milestones. Bluth now sits just 13 kills away from 1,000, while Streit needs 65 more to reach the mark.

 
UP NEXT
With this win, Idaho State improves to 4-1 in conference play and remains a top contender in the Big Sky standings. They will road trip to Cheney for their second game against Eastern Washington in the 2024 season on Oct. 17 for another critical conference matchup.
 
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