POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State volleyball delivered its cleanest performance of the season Saturday afternoon, sweeping Eastern Washington 3–0 (25–19, 25–11, 25–9) at Reed Gym. The victory marked the Bengals' first conference sweep of the season and second straight Big Sky win, improving ISU to 6–11 overall and 2–3 in league play.
Recap
The Bengals carried the momentum from Thursday's win over Idaho into Saturday's matinee, controlling every phase of the match. Idaho State outhit the Eagles .327 to .019, recording their best offensive efficiency of the year while holding Eastern to its lowest hitting percentage of the season.
Head Coach Sean Carter called it "maybe our cleanest performance" of the year. "There were a lot of good things to talk about," he said. "I'm really excited about the 2–0 weekend. This was our highest hitting percentage day all season, and we showed what we can do defensively when we dig and block like that."
Redshirt freshman outside hitter Annelie Wilson led the charge with a career-high 12 kills on .360 hitting, following up her nine-kill effort two nights earlier. Senior middle blocker Marci Bell added eight kills on .667 hitting with six blocks, while redshirt freshman outside hitter Abby McClain finished with nine kills at a .421 clip.
Wilson said the Bengals' serve-receive and passing were the foundation for the offensive rhythm. "We had another game without getting aced at all," she said. "Our passing just puts our offense in a really good spot to keep pressure on the other team. Nora was amazing setting the ball and finding holes in the block—it made it easy to stay aggressive."
Setter Nora Waddoups once again ran a balanced offense, tallying 35 assists, 10 digs, and 3 kills for her seventh double-double of the season. She said the team's rhythm started with clean touches. "Our passing was exceptional tonight," Waddoups said. "When we pass like that, it gives us options and makes us really hard to defend. It's our biggest weapon."
Carter agreed, emphasizing how passing and composure made all the difference. "We talked after the first set about not letting them block us," he said. "They had seven blocks in the first, then didn't get another one the rest of the way. That made a huge difference."
Wilson credited that in-match adjustment as the turning point. "Sean just told us to hit around the block and attack the edges of their hands," she said. "We focused on that and started getting tools instead of giving them blocks. Once we made that change, we really started to roll."
Meline Shulikov added five kills, three service aces, and eight digs, while libero Jenna Werbelow again anchored the back row with 14 digs. Redshirt sophomore Dani Cranford provided a late spark off the bench, closing the match with four kills on five swings (.800) and five digs in one set.
Carter highlighted the team's defensive balance and growing consistency. "Jenna was elite again," he said. "She didn't get as many balls hit at her as Thursday, but her reads were great. Dani came in and dug five in a short time, Chloe had eight, and I loved the energy from everyone. It's going to translate into points."
Waddoups praised the team's defensive growth as well. "I think our defense is at its peak right now, which is exactly where we want it during conference play," she said. "We're all working together, reading the game, and covering for each other. It's been really fun to see it come together."
With two straight wins to close the weekend, Carter said his group has built confidence and momentum heading into next week's home showdown with Weber State. "They were picked first in the preseason poll for a reason," he said. "They're really well-coached and always play us tough, but we're improving fast. We just need to keep this consistency and bring the same energy next week."
Bengal Bites
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Idaho State improves to 6–11 overall, 2–3 Big Sky play.
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The Bengals recorded their first Big Sky sweep and best team hitting percentage of the season (.327).
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Wilson: career-high 12 kills (.360 hitting), 13.5 points.
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Bell: 8 kills (.667 hitting), 6 total blocks.
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McClain: 9 kills (.421 hitting), 2 blocks.
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Waddoups: 35 assists, 10 digs (seventh double-double of the year), 3 kills.
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Shulikov: 5 kills, 3 aces, 8 digs.
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Cranford: 4 kills (.800 hitting), 5 digs in one set.
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Werbelow: 14 digs, 1 ace.
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ISU tallied 7.0 team blocks, 5 service aces, and did not allow a single reception error.
Next Up
Idaho State returns to Reed Gym on Friday, Oct. 17th at 7 p.m., hosting Weber State in a rematch from just a few weeks ago in Ogden.
