POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State volleyball put together one of its most complete performances of the season Friday night, taking down Big Sky frontrunner Weber State 3–1 (25–27, 25–8, 32–30, 25–23) inside Reed Gym. The win marked the Bengals' third consecutive conference victory, improving to 7–11 overall and 3–3 in Big Sky play, while handing the Wildcats just their second conference loss of the season.
Recap
The Bengals were unfazed by the Wildcats' early push, responding with resilience and rhythm after a narrow first-set loss. Idaho State dominated the next three frames behind its most balanced and explosive offensive showing of the year—out-hitting Weber State .265 to .201 while finishing with a season-high 64 kills against the Big Sky's top-ranked defensive team.
Head Coach Sean Carter called it "maybe the best team offensive performance we've had all year."
"We knew we couldn't let them out-kill us like the first time we played," Carter said. "To look down and see 64 kills to their 56, and four players in double figures, that's exactly the kind of team performance we've been working toward. The offense was awesome—balanced, confident, and relentless."
The Bengals' offense was firing from every position, with crisp ball movement and aggressive swings in transition. Idaho State had four players reach double-digit kills, two more finish with eight or nine, and every rotation contributing points. The Bengals also converted on 39 percent of their total attacks as a team and recorded 11 total blocks, and nine aces, a season high.
Setter Nora Waddoups ran the show with precision, finishing with a career-high 47 assists, 8 digs, 8 kills on .471 hitting, four aces, and three blocks. Her all-around play controlled the tempo and allowed the Bengals to consistently stay in system.
"Our passing really stepped it up," Waddoups said. "It made setting easy because our middles pulled blockers and our pins were one-on-one. That confidence helped everyone stay aggressive."
Carter praised his freshman setter's maturity and vision. "The setting was awesome," he said. "Nora had us scoring near 38% when she set the ball, and what's even better is we were at 39% as a team. That means we were finding ways to score even out of system. That's a huge step forward for us."
Senior outside hitter Meline Shulikov delivered one of her best performances of the season, finishing with her first double-double of the season, 12 kills, 11 digs, and 6 blocks. Her consistency on the left side and energy on the court helped spark the Bengals' comeback.
"Weber's always our rival, so it always feels good to beat them—especially at home," Shulikov said. "The crowd was incredible. You could feel the energy every point, especially in that third set. We just stayed aggressive and trusted each other."
The third frame was the night's defining moment. Idaho State fended off multiple set points before outlasting Weber 32–30 in a marathon that showcased the Bengals' poise and grit. Carter called it "high-level volleyball."
"That third set was a men's-match type of intensity," he said. "Both teams were siding out at such a high rate—it came down to composure. We've practiced those moments all season, and tonight they executed perfectly."
The Bengals' attack was steady from start to finish, as Jaydin Watts led with 13 kills on .423 hitting and five blocks, while Abby McClain and Shulikov each tallied 12 kills. Annelie Wilson chipped in 10 kills, nine digs, and two aces, and Marci Bell added nine kills and four blocks. Libero Jenna Werbelow once again anchored the defense with 23 digs.
Carter said the collective balance was what made the performance so special. "We had freshmen with 12 kills, seniors leading the way, and our setter scoring at the net," he said. "When you have that kind of balance and everybody hitting efficiently, it makes us really tough to stop."
The second set—an emphatic 25–8 win—showed the Bengals at their offensive peak. "We were at 50% kills in that set," Carter said. "We got off to a 7–0 start, blocked really well, and just executed everything cleanly. That's the kind of volleyball we know we're capable of."
After dropping a tight opener, Idaho State controlled the final three sets with tempo, energy, and precision. The win not only avenged their September loss in Ogden but also reaffirmed the Bengals' potential as one of the Big Sky's most improved teams. "It's just one win, but it's a big one," Carter said. "We proved we can beat one of the best teams in the league. Now the test is bringing that same energy on the road."
Bengal Bites
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Idaho State improves to 7–11 overall, 3–3 Big Sky play.
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The Bengals have now won three straight matches, their longest streak of the season.
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Waddoups: 47 assists (career high), 8 digs, 8 kills (.471), 4 aces, 3 blocks.
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Shulikov: 12 kills, 11 digs, 6 blocks (1st double-double of the season, 3rd career double-double).
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Watts: 13 kills (.423), 5 blocks.
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McClain: 12 kills, 8 digs, 1 block.
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Wilson: 10 kills, 9 digs, 2 aces.
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Bell: 9 kills, 4 blocks.
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Werbelow: 23 digs, 2 assists.
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ISU recorded 64 kills, 75 digs, 11.0 blocks, and 9 service aces while hitting .265 as a team.
Next Up
Idaho State hits the road for a three-match Big Sky trip, beginning Thursday, Oct. 23rd at Montana, followed by Montana State and Northern Arizona.
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