Bengals Return Home for Reed Gym Doubleheader Against Sacramento State and Portland State

Matchup Overview

POCATELLO, Idaho - Idaho State Volleyball (7-13, 3-5 Big Sky) returns home this week for two key conference matchups, hosting Sacramento State on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m. before welcoming Portland State on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 2 p.m. inside Reed Gym. The Bengals aim to regain momentum after a competitive road stretch in Montana and continue their climb in the Big Sky standings as the second half of conference play begins.

Season Outlook

The Bengals remain one of the nation's elite blocking teams, ranking 1st in the Big Sky and 16th nationally in blocks per set (2.74) while sitting 21st in the NCAA in total team blocks (211). Senior Marci Bell continues to anchor the net, ranking 1st in the Big Sky and 39th nationally with 1.31 blocks per set (101 total). Junior middle blocker Jaydin Watts, the Big Sky Preseason MVP, ranks 4th in the Big Sky in blocks (1.13/set) and 4th in hitting percentage (.370). Freshman setter Nora Waddoups continues to direct the Bengal offense, totaling over 525 assists on the year while ranking among the Top 30 NCAA freshmen in total assists. Defensively, Jenna Werbelow ranks 4th in the Big Sky in digs per set (3.99), while senior Meline Shulikov remains a versatile contributor in attack and defense.

By the Numbers (through Oct. 28)

• Record: 7-13 (3-5 Big Sky)

• Hitting Percentage: .182

• Opponent Hitting Percentage: .181 (2nd in Big Sky, 51st in NCAA)

• Kills Per Set: 11.94

• Blocks Per Set: 2.74 (1st Big Sky, 17th NCAA)

• Digs Per Set: 14.99 (3rd in Big Sky, 80th in NCAA)

Players to Watch

• Marci Bell (Senior, Middle Blocker) – 157 kills, 101 total blocks (1.31/set); 1st Big Sky, 39th NCAA in blocks per set.

• Jaydin Watts (Junior, Middle Blocker) – 166 kills (.370 hitting), 86 total blocks (1.13/set); Top 6 Big Sky in both categories.

• Meline Shulikov (Senior, Opposite/Setter) – 113 kills, 53 blocks, and 9 aces on the season.

• Nora Waddoups (Freshman, Setter) – 539 assists (7.5/set); Top 30 NCAA freshmen in total assists.

• Jenna Werbelow (Sophomore, Libero) – 267 digs (3.99/set); 4th in Big Sky in digs per set.

Quick Scout – Sacramento State (13-8, 6-3 Big Sky)

The Hornets enter Thursday's match with one of the league's most balanced attacks, leading the Big Sky in hitting percentage (.254) and service aces (1.80 per set). Outside hitter Victoria Marthaler headlines the offense, leading the conference with 371 kills (4.88/set) and ranking among the Top 25 nationally in points per set (5.36). Middle blocker Ashlynn Archer adds 219 kills and 78 total blocks, while setter Kate Doorn ranks 1st in the Big Sky in aces per set (0.43) and among the top five in assists (9.25/set). Defensively, Reese Ampi anchors the back row with 302 digs (3.97/set).

• All-Time Series vs. Idaho State: Sacramento State leads 41–17.

• Recent Meetings: The Hornets defeated the Bengals in their last meeting, 3-0, in the 2024 Big Sky Semi-Finals, after Idaho State would sweep their regular season series last year. 

Quick Scout – Portland State (9-11, 5-4 Big Sky)

The Vikings travel to Pocatello after a strong showing at home and remain one of the league's most efficient defensive teams. Alivia Eikenberg ranks 3rd in the Big Sky in points per set (4.12) and Top 5 in kills per set (3.70), while Naomi White leads PSU at the net with 89 total blocks (1.09/set). Setter Allison Panter averages 8.90 assists per set (4th Big Sky), and libero Paige Stepaniuk ranks 5th in the conference in digs per set (3.94).

• All-Time Series vs. Idaho State: Portland State leads 39–29.

• Recent Meetings: The Vikings swept Idaho State in the teams' first Big Sky Conference match of this season. Prior to that, Idaho State had won three straight over the Vikings.

How to Follow

• Thursday, Oct. 30 – Idaho State vs. Sacramento State (7:00 p.m., Reed Gym)
  📺 ESPN+ | 📊 Live Stats

• Saturday, Nov. 1 – Idaho State vs. Portland State (2:00 p.m., Reed Gym)
  📺 ESPN+ | 📊 Live Stats

Bengal Bites

• Idaho State ranks 1st in the Big Sky and 16th nationally in blocks per set (2.74) and 21st in the NCAA in total team blocks (211).

• Marci Bell – 1st Big Sky, 39th NCAA in blocks per set (1.31); 101 total.

• Jaydin Watts – Top 6 Big Sky in hitting percentage (.354) and blocks per set (1.13).

• Jenna Werbelow – 4th in Big Sky in digs per set (3.99).

• Nora Waddoups – Among the Top 30 NCAA freshmen in total assists (600+).

• Idaho State has posted 10+ blocks in 10 matches this season.

Looking Ahead

Idaho State hits the road for its final Big Sky trip of the regular season next week, traveling for four straight matches before returning to Reed Gym for their final two home games.

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