Bengals Host Idaho and Eastern Washington in Reed Gym Doubleheader Weekend

Matchup Overview

Idaho State Volleyball (4-11, 0-3 Big Sky) returns home riding a five-match win streak against Idaho and recent success at Reed Gym against both the Vandals and Eastern Washington. The Bengals look to continue that momentum in front of their home crowd this week, hosting Idaho on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 7:00 p.m., and Eastern Washington on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 2:00 p.m. in Reed Gym.

Season Outlook

The Bengals enter the week ranked 1st in the Big Sky and 19th nationally in blocks per set (2.73) while standing 5th in the NCAA in total team blocks (179). Senior Marci Bell continues to anchor the Bengals' front line, ranking 49th nationally in blocks per set (1.20) and tied for 16th in total blocks (77). Junior Jaydin Watts, a middle blocker and the Big Sky Preseason MVP, ranks 64th nationally in hitting percentage (.364) and tied for 51st in total blocks (71). Freshman setter Nora Waddoups has quickly become one of the league's most reliable distributors, ranking 23rd among all NCAA freshmen in total assists (408) and 8th in the Big Sky in assists per set (6.44). Libero Jenna Werbelow leads the Bengals in digs (235, 3.98 per set), and senior Meline Shulikov adds 86 kills and 42 blocks while hitting .253 on the year.

By the Numbers (through Oct. 6)

• Record: 4-11 (0-3 Big Sky)

• Attack Percentage: .165

• Kills Per Set: 11.41

• Blocks Per Set: 2.73 (1st Big Sky, 19th NCAA)

• Digs Per Set: 14.32 (4th Big Sky)

Players to Watch

• Marci Bell (Senior, Middle Blocker) – 104 kills, 77 total blocks (1.20 per set); 49th in NCAA in blocks per set, tied for 16th nationally in total blocks; 2nd in Big Sky in blocking.

• Jaydin Watts (Junior, Middle Blocker) – 141 kills (.364 hitting, 64th NCAA) and 71 blocks (1.14 per set, T-51st NCAA); 4th in Big Sky hitting %, 5th in blocks per set.

• Meline Shulikov (Senior, Opposite/Setter) – 86 kills, 42 blocks, .253 hitting clip in 59 sets.

• Nora Waddoups (Freshman, Setter) – 408 assists (6.44 per set), 23rd among NCAA freshmen in total assists and 8th in Big Sky in assists per set.

• Jenna Werbelow (Sophomore, Libero) – 235 digs (3.98 per set), 4th in Big Sky, with double-digit digs in 10 of her last 11 matches.

Quick Scout – Idaho (4-11, 1-2 Big Sky)

The Vandals enter Thursday's matchup fresh off their first conference win, a 3-0 sweep at Eastern Washington. Idaho ranks 8th in the Big Sky in hitting percentage (.178) and 3rd in digs per set (15.66). Outside hitter Kiana Greer leads the offense with 180 kills (3.33 per set, 6th Big Sky), while setter Aleina Manaois ranks 5th in assists (7.43 per set). Libero Kyriah Trefren adds 163 digs (3.13 per set), and freshman Cayton White leads the league in aces per set (0.88) during conference play.

• All-Time Series vs. Idaho: Idaho State leads 25-24 overall, including an 11-9 record at home and an 11-10 mark on the road.

• Recent Meetings: Idaho State has won five straight over the Vandals, including a 3-0 sweep in Moscow on Oct. 19, 2024, and a 3-2 victory in Pocatello on Sept. 30, 2023.

Quick Scout – Eastern Washington (2-13, 0-3 Big Sky)

The Eagles enter the weekend seeking their first conference victory, led by outside hitter Kalista Lukovich, who ranks 5th in the Big Sky in kills per set (3.44). EWU stands 2nd in the conference in total blocks (2.41 per set), anchored by Judith Bolomboy (64 blocks) and Alyssa Radke (40). Setter Anna Bolich averages 5.59 assists per set, while libero Elle Bruegman ranks among the Big Sky's top-10 in digs (3.12 per set).

• All-Time Series vs. Idaho State: Eastern Washington leads 43-42 overall, but Idaho State holds a 21-17 record at home and a 6-3 mark in neutral-site contests.

• Recent Meetings: The teams have split the last two seasons 2-2. Idaho State earned wins in Pocatello (3-1, Sept. 26, 2024) and Cheney (3-1, Oct. 28, 2023), while EWU took the most recent matchup in Cheney (3-0, Oct. 17, 2024).

How to Follow

• Thursday, Oct. 9 – Idaho State vs. Idaho (7:00 p.m. MT, Reed Gym)
  📺 ESPN+ | 📊 Live Stats

• Saturday, Oct. 11 – Idaho State vs. Eastern Washington (2:00 p.m. MT, Reed Gym)
  📺 ESPN+ | 📊 Live Stats

Bengal Bites

• Idaho State ranks 1st in the Big Sky and 19th nationally in blocks per set (2.73) and 5th in the NCAA in total team blocks (179).

• Marci Bell – 49th nationally in blocks per set (1.20) and tied for 16th nationally in total blocks (77); 2nd in Big Sky.

• Jaydin Watts – T-51st nationally in total blocks (71) and 64th in NCAA in hitting percentage (.364); 4th in Big Sky hitting %, 5th in blocks per set.

• Nora Waddoups – 23rd among NCAA freshmen in total assists (408); 8th in Big Sky in assists per set (6.44).

• Jenna Werbelow – 4th in Big Sky in digs per set (3.98).

• Team Rankings – 3rd in Big Sky in opponent hitting percentage (.188), 4th in digs per set (14.32).

Looking Ahead

Following the weekend's home matches vs. Idaho and Eastern Washington, Idaho State will remain in Pocatello to host Weber State on Friday, Oct. 17, at 7:00 p.m. MT in Reed Gym.

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