Bengals Close Regular Season with Montana State and Senior Night Showdown vs Montana

Matchup Overview

Idaho State Volleyball (9-17, 5-9 Big Sky) returns to Reed Gym this week for the final two matches of the 2025 regular season, hosting Montana State on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. and Montana on Friday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. The Bengals enter the week following one of the most remarkable single set performances in program history, following a 42–44 second set against Northern Arizona on Saturday — the 5th highest scoring set in NCAA history, the highest-scoring set in the NCAA this season, and the highest-scoring set ever recorded by both Idaho State and Northern Arizona. With postseason seeding on the line and the Big Sky Conference Tournament approaching Nov. 24–26 in Greeley, Colorado, the Bengals look to finish strong at home.

Friday night's match against Montana will also serve as Senior Night, honoring four Bengals who have left a lasting impact on the program: Marci Bell, Chloe Heimlicher, Brinley Smith, and Meline Shulikov.

Season Outlook

Idaho State continues to rank among the nation's strongest blocking teams, sitting 1st in the Big Sky and 28th nationally in blocks per set (2.60) and 31st in the NCAA in total blocks (260). Senior middle blocker Marci Bell remains one of the conference's top defensive players, ranking 1st in the Big Sky in blocks per set (1.28) and Top 50 nationally with 127 total blocks. Junior Jaydin Watts, the Big Sky Preseason MVP, ranks 2nd in the conference in hitting percentage (.379) and 3rd in blocks (1.15/set), providing the Bengals with one of the league's most productive middle duos. Freshman setter Nora Waddoups ranks 5th in the Big Sky in assists per set (8.02) and remains among the Top 22 freshmen nationally in total assists. Sophomore libero Jenna Werbelow anchors the back row, ranking 6th in the conference with 3.64 digs per set.

By the Numbers (through Nov. 17)

• Record: 9-17 (5-9 Big Sky)

• Attack Percentage: .185

• Opponent Attack Percentage: .190 (2nd in Big Sky, 91st in NCAA)

• Kills Per Set: 12.26

• Blocks Per Set: 2.6 (1st Big Sky, 28th NCAA)

• Digs Per Set: 15.22 (4th in Big Sky, 72nd in NCAA)

Players to Watch

Marci Bell (Senior, Middle Blocker)
127 blocks (1.28/set), 1st Big Sky in blocks per set; Top 50 NCAA in total blocks.

Jaydin Watts (Junior, Middle Blocker)
204 kills (.379 hitting), 1.15 blocks per set; 2nd in Big Sky in hitting percentage.

Meline Shulikov (Senior, Opposite)
125 kills, 62 blocks

Nora Waddoups (Freshman, Setter)
754 assists (8.02/set); 5th Big Sky, Top 22 NCAA freshmen in total assists.

Jenna Werbelow (Sophomore, Libero)
328 digs (3.64/set); 6th Big Sky in digs per set.

Quick Scout – Montana State (12-15, 7-7 Big Sky)

Montana State enters the matchup battling for seeding inside the top half of the conference standings. The Bobcats rank 3rd in the Big Sky in hitting percentage (.225) and 2nd in opponent hitting percentage (.176). Outside hitter Allison Stokes continues to lead the offense with 289 kills (3.26/set), ranking among the top attackers in the league. Middle blocker Hannah Scott adds 225 kills (.281 hitting) and 75 blocks. Setter Jordan Green runs the offense with 8.86 assists per set, and libero Emma Thompson leads the back row with 361 digs (3.86/set).

• All-Time Series vs Idaho State: Montana State leads 43-42, and Idaho State leads when in Pocatello, 24-14

• Recent Meetings: Montana State won 3-0 earlier this season (Oct. 25th in Bozeman)

Quick Scout – Montana (15-11, 8-6 Big Sky)

Montana arrives to Pocatello as one of the Big Sky's hottest teams, winning five of its last seven matches. The Grizzlies rank 2nd in the Big Sky in blocks per set (2.42) and 4th in hitting percentage (.224). Outside hitter Ella May Powell remains the top offensive threat with 312 kills (3.39/set), while middle blocker Avery Jacobsen ranks 2nd in the conference in blocks (1.19/set). Setter McKenna Kaelber averages 9.03 assists per set, and libero Lauren Lindseth collects 3.44 digs per set.

• All-Time Series vs Idaho State: Montana leads 48–38, and the series is tied, 21-21, when in Pocatello

• Recent Meetings: Montana won 3-1 earlier this season (Oct. 23rd in Missoula)

How to Follow

Wednesday, Nov. 19 – Idaho State vs Montana State (7:00 p.m. MT, Reed Gym)
📺 ESPN+ | 📊 Live Stats

Friday, Nov. 21 – Idaho State vs Montana (7:00 p.m. MT, Reed Gym)
📺 ESPN+ | 📊 Live Stats

Bengal Bites

• Idaho State ranks 1st in the Big Sky in blocks per set (2.57) and 31st nationally in total blocks (260).

• Marci Bell – 1st Big Sky, Top 40 NCAA in blocks per set (1.23).

• Jaydin Watts – 2nd Big Sky in hitting percentage (.379).

• Jenna Werbelow – 6th Big Sky in digs (3.62/set).

• Nora Waddoups – Top 22 nationally among freshmen in total assists.

• Idaho State's 42–44 second set vs NAU was the highest-scoring set in NCAA volleyball this season.

• The Bengals have recorded 10+ blocks in 13 matches this year.

Looking Ahead

Following the regular-season finale on Friday, Idaho State will travel to Greeley, Colorado, to compete in the 2025 Big Sky Conference Tournament, hosted by Northern Colorado, from Nov. 24–26.