OGDEN, Utah – Idaho State volleyball came out strong in the opening set but couldn't sustain the momentum, falling 1-3 (28–26, 19–25, 23–25, 19–25) to Weber State on Friday night at Swenson Gym.
Recap
The Bengals rallied late in the first set to edge the Wildcats 28–26, with key swings from Marci Bell and Meline Shulikov helping ISU grab the early lead. Weber State regrouped quickly, however, taking the next three sets behind a balanced attack that outpaced the Bengals in kills (56–43) and hitting percentage (.199 to .153).
Marci Bell and Jaydin Watts anchored the Idaho State attack, combining for 20 kills and nine blocks. Bell finished with 11 kills on .348 hitting with 4 block assists, while Watts tallied 9 kills on .409 hitting with 2 solo blocks and 3 block assists. Meline Shulikov added 9 kills, while both Ava Brickner and Brinley Smith chipped in 8 kills each.
The Bengals had strong efforts at setter, with Nora Waddoups posting 20 assists and 14 digs for her third double-double of the season, while Sydney Hess recorded her first career double-double with 18 assists and 13 digs. Defensively, Jenna Werbelow led all Bengals with 20 digs, while Shulikov added 8.
ISU finished with 9.0 total team blocks, but Weber State held the edge in service aces (8–4) and controlled the late points in each of the final three sets to close out the match.
Bengal Bites
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Idaho State falls to 4–11 overall and 0–3 in Big Sky play.
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Bell: 11 kills (.348), 4 block assists (13.0 points).
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Watts: 9 kills (.409), 2 solo blocks, 3 block assists (12.5 points).
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Shulikov: 9 kills, 8 digs, 2 block assists (10.0 points).
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Brickner: 8 kills, 4 digs, 2 block assists.
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Smith: 8 kills, 3 digs.
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Waddoups: 20 assists, 14 digs, 2 kills, 1 ace (double-double).
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Hess: 18 assists, 13 digs (first career double-double).
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Werbelow: 20 digs, 1 ace, 3 assists.
Next Up
Idaho State returns to Reed Gym for its next Big Sky matchups, hosting rivals, Idaho, on Thursday, Oct. 9th, followed by Eastern Washington coming to Reed Gym on Saturday, Oct. 11th.
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