Bengals Ride Back-to-Back Wins into Friday Night Clash with Weber State

Matchup Overview

Idaho State Volleyball (6-11, 2-3 Big Sky) returns to Reed Gym in high spirits after posting back-to-back conference victories, defeating Idaho 3-1 on Oct. 9th and Eastern Washington 3-0 on Oct. 11th. The Bengals look to continue their winning momentum this week when they host Weber State on Friday, Oct. 17, at 7:00 p.m. in Pocatello.

Season Outlook

The Bengals continue to establish themselves as one of the nation's top defensive teams at the net, ranking 1st in the Big Sky and T-19th nationally in blocks per set (2.73) and 8th in the NCAA in total team blocks (180). Senior Marci Bell has been a steady force in the middle, ranking T-16th in the nation in total blocks (88) and T-33rd in blocks per set (1.33). Junior Jaydin Watts, the Big Sky Preseason MVP, has been dominant at both ends, ranking 7th in the Big Sky in hitting percentage (.356) while contributing 71 total blocks. Freshman setter Nora Waddoups continues to rank among the country's top freshmen, sitting in the top 30 among NCAA freshmen in total assists (422) and 6th in the Big Sky in assists per set (6.92). Libero Jenna Werbelow anchors the Bengal defense, ranking 4th in the Big Sky in digs per set (4.06), while senior Meline Shulikov provides veteran leadership on the outside. The Bengals have been tough at the net, holding opponents to just a .176 hitting percentage, the 3rd best in the Big Sky and 46th nationally.

By the Numbers (through Oct. 13)

• Record: 6-11 (2-3 Big Sky)

• Attack Percentage: .178

• Kills Per Set: 11.69

• Blocks Per Set: 2.74 (1st Big Sky, T-19th NCAA)

• Digs Per Set: 14.40 (4th Big Sky)

Players to Watch

• Marci Bell (Senior, Middle Blocker) – 135 kills, 88 blocks (1.33 per set); T-16th in NCAA in total blocks, T-33rd in blocks per set, leads in Big Sky.

• Jaydin Watts (Junior, Middle Blocker) – 140 kills (.356 hitting, 7th Big Sky) and 71 blocks (1.09 per set); Top 100 nationally in total blocks and Top 90 in hitting percentage.

• Meline Shulikov (Senior, Opposite/Setter) – 89 kills, 39 blocks, and a .136 hitting clip through 46 sets.

• Nora Waddoups (Freshman, Setter) – 422 assists (6.92 per set); Top 30 among NCAA freshmen in total assists, 6th in Big Sky in assists per set.

• Jenna Werbelow (Sophomore, Libero) – 229 digs (4.09 per set); 4th in Big Sky; double-digit digs in 16 of 17 matches this season.

Quick Scout – Weber State (11-5, 3-2 Big Sky)

Weber State enters Friday's matchup following a home win over Idaho and ranks among the Big Sky's top teams. The Wildcats lead the conference in hitting percentage (.256) and are 3rd in blocks per set (2.36). Offensively, Ashley Gneiting ranks 5th in the Big Sky in kills per set (3.21), while Kaylie Ray adds 177 kills (.298 hitting). Setter Morgan Pratt ranks 2nd in the conference in assists (9.42 per set), and Kylie Moran leads the back row with 3.15 digs per set.

• All-Time Series vs. Idaho State: Weber State leads 52-48 overall, though Idaho State holds a 28-19 record at home.

• Recent Meetings: The teams have split their last four matchups. Idaho State earned a 3-2 victory in Pocatello on Oct. 11, 2024, while Weber claimed a 3-0 win in Ogden earlier this month (Oct. 3, 2025).

How to Follow

• Friday, Oct. 17 – Idaho State vs. Weber State (7:00 p.m., Reed Gym)
  📺 ESPN+ | 📊 Live Stats

Bengal Bites

• Idaho State ranks 1st in the Big Sky and 19th nationally in blocks per set (2.74) and T-8th in the NCAA in total team blocks (180).

• Marci Bell – T-16th in NCAA in total blocks (88), T-33rd in blocks per set (1.33); 1st in Big Sky.

• Jaydin Watts – Top 100 nationally in total blocks (71); 7th in Big Sky in hitting percentage (.356).

• Nora Waddoups – Top 30 among NCAA freshmen in total assists (422); 6th in Big Sky in assists per set (6.92).

• Jenna Werbelow – 4th in Big Sky in digs per set (4.06) and top-4 in total digs.

• Idaho State has recorded 10 or more blocks in eight matches this season, including 13 in last week's win over Idaho.

Looking Ahead

Idaho State continues Big Sky play next week on the road, traveling to Montana on Thursday, Oct. 23, before facing Montana State on Saturday, Oct. 25

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