Bengals Prepare for Final Regular-Season Road Trip

Matchup Overview

Idaho State Volleyball (9-15, 5-7 Big Sky) closes out its road schedule this week, visiting Northern Colorado on Thursday, Nov. 13, before taking on Big Sky leader Northern Arizona on Saturday, Nov. 15 in Flagstaff. The Bengals enter their weekend of travel on a two-match win streak and look to continue their late-season momentum before returning home for their final two home matches of 2025, followed by the Big Sky Tournament later this month.

Season Outlook

The Bengals remain one of the top blocking teams in the country, ranking 1st in the Big Sky, 36th nationally in blocks per set (2.55) and 45th in total team blocks (237). Senior Marci Bell continues to lead the Big Sky in blocks per set, averaging 1.26 per set (116 total) to rank Top 50 nationally. Junior Jaydin Watts, the Big Sky's Preseason MVP, ranks 4th in the conference in hitting percentage (.374) and 3rd in blocks per set (1.14), giving the Bengals one of the league's most efficient front lines. Freshman Nora Waddoups continues to impress at setter, averaging 7.94 assists per set — 5th in the Big Sky and among the 25th NCAA freshmen — while sophomore Jenna Werbelow ranks 6th in the conference at 3.58 digs per set.

By the Numbers (through Nov. 10)

• Record: 9-15 (5-7 Big Sky)

• Attack Percentage: .189

• Opponent Attack Percentage: .186 (2nd in Big Sky, 74th in NCAA)

• Kills Per Set: 12.16

• Blocks Per Set: 2.55 (1st Big Sky, 27th NCAA)

• Digs Per Set: 14.95 (3rd in Big Sky, 88th in NCAA)

Players to Watch

• Marci Bell (Senior, Middle Blocker) – 192 kills, 116 total blocks (1.26/set); 1st Big Sky, Top 50 NCAA in blocks per set.

• Jaydin Watts (Junior, Middle Blocker) – 185 kills (.374 hitting), 92 blocks (1.14/set); 5th Big Sky in hitting, 3rd in blocks.

• Meline Shulikov (Senior, Opposite) – 115 kills, 56 blocks, and 18 aces.

• Nora Waddoups (Freshman, Setter) – 699 assists (7.94/set); 5th Big Sky, 25th in NCAA freshmen in assists.

• Jenna Werbelow (Sophomore, Libero/Defensive Specialist) – 297 digs (3.58/set); 6th in Big Sky in digs per set.

Quick Scout – Northern Colorado (12-14, 9-4 Big Sky)

The Bears enter the week tied for second in the Big Sky standings and have won seven of their last ten matches. Northern Colorado ranks 5th in the league in hitting percentage (.217) and 7th in blocks per set (2.03). Middle blocker Zoe Gibbs leads the Bears with a .374 hitting percentage (4th Big Sky) and 229 kills, while setter Nerea Alvarez-Jorge ranks 4th in assists (9.39/set). Defensively, libero Bella LePore sits 4th in the Big Sky with 4.02 digs per set, and Isabel Bennett contributes 51 blocks (1.00/set).

• All-Time Series vs. Idaho State: Northern Colorado leads 24–15 overall, and 8-6 when in Greeley.

• Recent Meetings: In their most recent meeting, the Bears took down the Bengals in Pocatello, 1-3, on Nov. 14th, 2024.

Quick Scout – Northern Arizona (20-6, 10-3 Big Sky)

Northern Arizona has emerged as the Big Sky's top team, sitting alone atop the standings at 10-3 in conference play. The Lumberjacks rank 2nd in the Big Sky in hitting percentage (.239) and 2nd in blocks per set (2.38), with a balanced lineup that features Hanah Stoddard (3.97 kills/set, 2nd Big Sky) and Gigi Greenlee (1.23 blocks/set, 2nd Big Sky). Libero Melia Barlow ranks 6th in the Big Sky in digs (3.60/set), while setter Keira Hall has produced 299 assists and 20 service aces. NAU also leads the Big Sky in opponent hitting percentage (.157), making them one of the league's toughest defensive teams.

• All-Time Series vs. Idaho State: Tied, 41-41 overall, NAU leads 23-13 when in Flagstaff

• Recent Meetings: NAU earned a 3-0 win earlier this season in Pocatello over Idaho State (Sept. 27th).

How to Follow

• Thursday, Nov. 13 – Idaho State at Northern Colorado (6:00 p.m. MT, Greeley, CO)
  📺 ESPN+ | 📊 Live Stats

• Saturday, Nov. 15 – Idaho State at Northern Arizona (1:00 p.m. MT, Flagstaff, AZ)
  📺 ESPN+ | 📊 Live Stats

Bengal Bites

• Idaho State ranks 1st in the Big Sky, 36th nationally in blocks per set (2.55), and 45th nationally in total team blocks (237).

• Marci Bell – 1st Big Sky, Top 50 NCAA in blocks per set (1.26).

• Jaydin Watts – 4th Big Sky in hitting (.374), 3rd in blocks (1.14).

• Nora Waddoups – 5th Big Sky in assists (7.94/set); 25th in NCAA freshmen in total assists.

• Jenna Werbelow – 6th Big Sky in digs per set (3.58/set).

• ISU has recorded 10+ team blocks in 11 out of 24 matches this season.

Looking Ahead

Following the road trip, Idaho State will return home to host Montana State on Wednesday, Nov. 19th, followed by Senior Night on Friday, Nov. 21st, as the Bengals host Montana for their final game of the 2025 regular season. ISU needs either one more win OR one more loss from the Idaho Vandals and they will clinch a spot in the Big Sky Tournament in Greeley, CO. The Big Sky Tournament will run Monday Nov. 24th through Wednesday, Nov. 26th.