GREELEY, CO. — Idaho State Volleyball (13–17, 7–9 Big Sky) will play for the 2025 Big Sky Conference Tournament Championship on Wednesday night, taking on host Northern Colorado (16–15, 11–5 Big Sky) at Bank of Colorado Arena. The Bengals arrive at the title stage riding their best volleyball of the season, having won four straight five-set matches, including back-to-back five-set postseason victories over #1 Northern Arizona and #4 Weber State. Wednesday marks the sixth postseason meeting between Idaho State and Northern Colorado, and the first since 2022, with the Bears holding a narrow 3–2 advantage in Big Sky Tournament play.
Idaho State's path to the final has been fueled by its defensive identity and the play of a surging front line. The Bengals enter the title match averaging 2.61 blocks per set, producing 313 total blocks to out-block opponents by a margin of 313–238. Senior middle blocker Marci Bell has anchored that presence, tallying 149 total blocks (1.25 per set), while junior Jaydin Watts adds 121 blocks and leads the team with a .374 hitting percentage. Offensively, Idaho State averages 12.32 kills per set. Senior opposite Meline Shulikov enters the championship with 165 kills, while freshman setter Nora Waddoups has orchestrated ISU's system with 951 assists (8.34 per set), ranking among the most productive setters in the Big Sky. Sophomore libero Jenna Werbelow continues to lead the back court with 422 digs (3.84/set).
Northern Colorado, meanwhile, arrives at the championship after a pair of five-set postseason victories over Montana State and Sacramento State, demonstrating late-match resilience that mirrors Idaho State's postseason surge. The Bears bring one of the most balanced attacks in the league, led by Alayna Tessena, who enters the title match with 399 kills (3.14/set) according to UNC's statistical report . Middle blocker Zoe Gibbs adds 269 kills on an efficient .364 hitting percentage, while Isabel Bennett contributes 262 kills and 128 total blocks, providing a critical two-way presence. Setter Nerea Alvarez-Jorge directs UNC's offense with 848 assists (8.15 per set), and libero Bella LePore anchors the back row with 457 digs (3.54/set). As a team, Northern Colorado averages 12.71 kills per set and produces 2.14 blocks per set, maintaining a statistical profile comparable to Idaho State's strengths.
This championship matchup represents the continuation of one of the most meaningful inter-program postseason histories in the Big Sky. Idaho State holds a 15–25 overall record against Northern Colorado, with competitive trends across all formats, including seven five-set wins over the Bears historically. The teams last met on Nov. 13 in Greeley, when UNC secured a 3–0 win, but since then, the Bengals have transformed their trajectory with improved efficiency, steadier serve-receive, and timely execution in late sets — including fifth-set wins of 15–5 and 15–7 in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds.
Wednesday's title match will challenge Idaho State to maintain the balanced play that has defined its postseason run. Bell, Watts, and Shulikov have combined for 461 kills and 351 total blocks this season, while Waddoups continues to guide a young offense playing its most connected volleyball of the year. With both teams hitting stride at the perfect time, and with the Bengals in search of their first Big Sky Tournament title since 2013, the championship setup promises another tightly contested chapter in a familiar postseason matchup.
How to Follow
📅 Wednesday, Nov. 26
⏰ 7:00 p.m.
🏟️ Bank of Colorado Arena — Greeley, CO
📺 ESPN+
📊 Live Stats
Bengal Bites
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Idaho State has won four straight matches, its longest streak of the season. (All five-set victories)
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This is ISU's sixth postseason matchup against UNC and the first since 2022.
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This is Idaho State's first Conference Tournament Championship appearance since 2015.
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Idaho State looks to claim their first Tournament title since 2013.
