Idaho State Faces Weber State in First-Ever Postseason Meeting in Big Sky Semifinals

GREELEY, CO — Idaho State Volleyball (12-17, 7-9 BSC) continues its postseason run on Tuesday afternoon in Greeley, advancing to the Big Sky Conference Tournament Semifinals where the Bengals will meet long-time rival Weber State (18-11, 9–7 BSC) at Bank of Colorado Arena. Despite playing 101 times since the series began, this will be the first postseason matchup ever between the two programs, adding another layer of significance to an already high-stakes semifinal.

The Bengals enter Tuesday's showdown riding a surge of momentum after upsetting No. 1 seed Northern Arizona in a thrilling five-set battle. Idaho State controlled the fifth set wire-to-wire, pulling away 15–5 to complete one of the biggest postseason wins in program history. Weber State arrives in similar form, sweeping Montana in its quarterfinal match and winning three straight overall, including late-season victories over Montana State and Montana.

Idaho State's success continues to be built on a balanced offensive attack and a front line that ranks among the most effective blocking units in the league. The Bengals enter the semifinal averaging 12.4 kills per set and 11.5 assists per set, while producing 2.6 blocks per set, totaling 299 blocks on the season. Senior middle blocker Marci Bell remains one of the top defensive presences in the Big Sky with 144 total blocks and 241 kills, while Jaydin Watts has emerged as one of the league's most efficient scoring options, hitting .381 with 239 kills and 114 blocks. Senior opposite hitter Meline Shulikov continues to be a two-phase contributor with 158 kills, 76 blocks, and 14 aces, and setter Nora Waddoups enters the semifinal with 909 assists, averaging 8.34 per set, while also adding 319 digs. Libero Jenna Werbelow has anchored the back row with 402 digs, averaging 3.83 per set.

Weber State counters with one of the Big Sky's most stable and well-balanced lineups. The Wildcats average 12.85 kills per set, 12.04 assists per set, and 2.42 blocks per set, slightly behind Idaho State in blocking production. Weber boasts multiple consistent attackers, led by Rose Moore and Kaylie Ray, who have nearly identical numbers at 332 kills (3.25/set) and 306 kills (3.29/set), respectively. Ashley Gneiting adds 140 kills and 46 blocks, giving Weber three options above 2.80 kills per set. Setter Morgan Pratt directs the offense with 795 assists, while libero Marly Pratt ranks among the league's better back-row defenders with 331 digs. Middle blocker Saane Munyer provides significant presence at the net with 94 blocks, and Jayda Tupea contributes across all phases with 90 kills, 25 blocks, and 215 digs.

The teams split their regular-season meetings, with Weber State earning a three-set win in Ogden on Oct. 3 and Idaho State responding with a four-set victory on Oct. 17 in Pocatello. The Bengals' win in Reed Gym featured a dramatic 32–30 third-set marathon that fueled their comeback effort. With the all-time series sitting at Idaho State 53, Weber State 48, Tuesday's semifinal extends one of the Big Sky's most historic and competitive rivalries into postseason play for the first time.