Bengals Head North Riding Three-Match Win Streak

Matchup Overview

Idaho State Volleyball (7-11, 3-3 Big Sky) heads north this week for a key Big Sky road trip, taking on Montana on Thursday, Oct. 23, before facing Montana State on Saturday, Oct. 25. The Bengals enter the weekend on a three-match win streak, having defeated Idaho (3-1), Eastern Washington (3-0), and most recently Weber State (3-1) last Friday in Pocatello.

Season Outlook

The Bengals continue to rank among the nation's top defensive teams, leading the Big Sky in blocks per set (2.73) and ranking 17th nationally, while also standing 23rd in the NCAA in total team blocks (191). Senior Marci Bell remains a steady force at the net, ranking 30th nationally in total blocks (92) and 38th in blocks per set (1.31). Junior Jaydin Watts, the Big Sky Preseason MVP, has emerged as one of the league's most efficient hitters, ranking 7th in the Big Sky in hitting percentage (.362) while contributing 76 total blocks. Freshman setter Nora Waddoups continues to impress, ranking in the top-50 among NCAA freshmen in total assists (469) and 5th in the Big Sky in assists per set (7.22). Libero Jenna Werbelow anchors the Bengal back row, ranking 3rd in the Big Sky in digs per set (4.20), while senior Meline Shulikov adds depth and consistency on both sides of the ball.

By the Numbers (through Oct. 20)

• Record: 7-11 (3-3 Big Sky)

• Attack Percentage: .179

• Kills Per Set: 12.65 (4th in Big Sky)

• Blocks Per Set: 2.73 (1st Big Sky, 17th in NCAA)

• Digs Per Set: 14.55 (6th Big Sky)

Players to Watch

• Marci Bell (Senior, Middle Blocker) – 144 kills, 92 blocks (1.31 per set); 38th in NCAA in total blocks (1st in Big Sky), 30th in blocks per set (2nd in Big Sky).

• Jaydin Watts (Junior, Middle Blocker) – 153 kills (.362 hitting, 7th in Big Sky) and 76 total blocks (1.10 per set); 7th in Big Sky in Total Blocks and Blocks per Set.

• Meline Shulikov (Senior, Opposite) – 101 kills, 45 blocks

• Nora Waddoups (Freshman, Setter) – 469 assists (7.22 per set); Top-50 among NCAA freshmen in total assists, 6th in Big Sky.

• Jenna Werbelow (Sophomore, Libero) – 252 digs (4.20 per set); 4th in Big Sky, 17/18 double-digit dig matches this season.

Quick Scout – Montana (7-10, 2-4 Big Sky)

Montana enters Thursday's contest looking to rebound after consecutive road losses. The Grizzlies rank 4th in the Big Sky in blocks per set (2.39) and 5th in hitting percentage (.217). Outside hitter Ella May Powell leads the offense with 191 kills (3.13 per set), while middle blocker Avery Jacobsen ranks 3rd in the conference in blocks (1.22 per set). Setter McKenna Kaelber averages 9.21 assists per set (3rd Big Sky), and libero Lauren Lindseth adds 3.55 digs per set.

• All-Time Series vs. Idaho State: Montana leads 47-38 overall, though the series is tied 21-21 in Pocatello.

• Recent Meetings: Idaho State has won the last two matchups, including a 3-1 victory in Pocatello on Oct. 5, 2024, and a 3-2 road win in Missoula on Oct. 31, 2024.

Quick Scout – Montana State (10-8, 3-3 Big Sky)

Montana State enters the weekend following a split with Northern Colorado and Portland State. The Bobcats rank 3rd in the Big Sky in hitting percentage (.231) and 2nd in opponent hitting percentage (.175). Allison Stokes leads the team with 210 kills (3.18 per set, 6th Big Sky), while Hannah Scott adds 178 kills and a .287 hitting percentage. Setter Jordan Green averages 8.91 assists per set, and libero Emma Thompson leads the back row with 247 digs.

• All-Time Series vs. Idaho State: The series is tied 42-42 overall, with Idaho State leading 24-14 in Pocatello.

• Recent Meetings: The teams have split their last four matchups, with Idaho State winning the most recent meeting in Bozeman (3-2, Nov. 2, 2024).

How to Follow

• Thursday, Oct. 23 – Idaho State at Montana (7:00 p.m., Missoula, MT)
  📺 ESPN+ | 📊 Live Stats

• Saturday, Oct. 25 – Idaho State at Montana State (1:00 p.m., Bozeman, MT)
  📺 ESPN+ | 📊 Live Stats

Bengal Bites

• Idaho State ranks 1st in the Big Sky and 17th nationally in blocks per set (2.73) and 23rd in the NCAA in total team blocks (191).

• The Bengals have won three straight matches.

• Marci Bell – 30th nationally in total blocks (92) and 38th in blocks per set (1.31); 2nd in Big Sky.

• Jaydin Watts – 72nd in the NCAA in hitting percentage (.362); 7th in Big Sky in hitting %.

• Nora Waddoups – Top-50 among NCAA freshmen in total assists (469); 5th in Big Sky in assists per set (7.22).

• Jenna Werbelow – 4th in Big Sky in digs per set (4.20) and among league leaders in total digs.

• Idaho State has recorded 9 or more team blocks in 14 matches this season.

Looking Ahead

Idaho State returns home next week to host Sacramento State on Thursday, Oct. 30th, followed by Portland State on Saturday, Nov. 1st, inside Reed Gym.

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