GREELEY, CO – Idaho State volleyball's unforgettable postseason run reached its final chapter Wednesday night, as the No. 8–seed Bengals fell 0–3 (20–25, 21–25, 19–25) to hosts, No. 3 Northern Colorado, in the Big Sky Tournament Championship at Bank of Colorado Arena.
Though the ending was difficult, the Bengals walked off the court having accomplished something no team in league history ever had: Idaho State became the first No. 8 seed to reach the Big Sky Championship match, a feat that stands alone in the conference's 40-year volleyball history.
Head Coach Sean Carter reflected on the night with a mix of pride and perspective.
"Obviously it's unfortunate. We got off to a slow start, but all the credit to Northern Colorado. They served the ball great, and their middles are two of the best in the league. But I'm so proud of our girls. Being here gives us fuel for building the program and next year."
A Run That Redefined Idaho State Volleyball
Idaho State began the postseason with the longest odds. They needed four straight elimination wins to reach the final. They delivered two reverse sweeps. They rallied through four consecutive five-set battles. And they toppled two of the league's top teams—Weber State and Northern Arizona—on back-to-back nights.
Carter emphasized that their presence in the title match was no accident.
"The fact that we're here — I hope people know it wasn't a fluke. These kids earned every step."
The Bears, however, played like a veteran group hungry to reclaim the championship. Northern Colorado's aggressive serving and physicality at the pins dictated the pace early and often. ISU struggled to slow down UNC's middles, which Carter acknowledged made the matchup difficult.
"UNC has been the benchmark of our league for a long time. When they're passing well and their middles are scoring like they did tonight, they're tough for anybody."
Idaho State pushed UNC late in each frame, but the Bears' terminal hitting and service pressure created separation in key stretches.
A Senior Class That Leaves a Lasting Legacy
The night marked the final match for one of the most impactful senior groups Idaho State has had in years—Marci Bell, Meline Shulikov, Brinley Smith, and junior, Chloe Heimlicher.
All four poured their hearts into the postseason run, leaving moments that will endure long after the final point.
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Marci Bell closed her ISU career with 8 kills (.250), 2 blocks, and 2 digs.
Carter spoke emotionally about her journey:
"She'll always go down as the most coachable player I've ever had — and the best rags-to-riches story we've ever had."
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Meline Shulikov added 4 kills, 5 digs, 4 assists, and 3 blocks, continuing her steady two-way presence.
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Brinley Smith, who blossomed during the late-season surge, contributed 3 digs & 1 kill and emotional leadership in her final collegiate match.
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Chloe Heimlicher, the super senior, finished with 6 digs and 2 aces, once again anchoring the Bengals' back row with composure and fire.
Carter emphasized how much this senior group meant to the postseason run:
"Our seniors were incredible. They played with heart, toughness, and belief. We don't get here without them."
All-Tournament Honors for Bell and Waddoups
Despite the loss, Idaho State received two major individual honors following the match, as Marci Bell and freshman setter Nora Waddoups were named to the 2025 Big Sky All-Tournament Team, the first time ISU has had 2 or more players selected to the All-Tournament team since 2015.
Waddoups closed out her postseason debut with 25 assists, 9 digs, and 3 kills, while Bell delivered clutch hitting and elite middle presence throughout the run.
Carter praised both:
"Nora allowed our offense to be what it needed to be to beat teams like NAU and Weber. And Marci was at her best in the highest-pressure moments."
How the Match Played Out
Northern Colorado opened the night with aggressive serving and never relinquished control. UNC's left-side attackers repeatedly found hard angles, and their quick middle attack gave the Bengals little margin for error.
Idaho State countered with 6 blocks and 41 digs, but UNC's efficiency—hitting .214 to ISU's .114—kept the Bengals from establishing sustained momentum.
The Bears built mid-set leads in each frame, and although Idaho State pushed back—cutting deficits to three or four multiple times—UNC responded with runs that ultimately secured the championship.
A Season That Ends With Pride, Not Regret
Carter emphasized the importance of what this run means for the future of Idaho State volleyball.
"When we play consistently and do the things we've done these last few weeks, we can compete at the highest level. We ran into a senior-heavy team tonight, but we're excited for the future of this program."
While the season ends with a silver medal, it closes with something far more meaningful:
belief, momentum, and a legacy that will be remembered for years.
This team became the first 8-seed ever to reach the Big Sky title match.
They delivered the conference's biggest upset in decades.
They won four straight elimination matches.
They played with heart, purpose, and unity.
And they showed that Idaho State volleyball is rising.
