Bengals Begin Final Road Slate Against Eastern Washington and Idaho

Matchup Overview

Idaho State Volleyball (7-15, 3-7 Big Sky) begins their final road trip of conference play this week, visiting Eastern Washington on Thursday, Nov. 6, before heading north to face Idaho on Saturday, Nov. 8. The Bengals will look to begin their final road trip strong before heading to Northern Colorado and Northern Arizona next week.

Season Outlook

The Bengals continue to rank among the nation's top defensive units, leading the Big Sky in blocks per set (2.71) while ranking 27th nationally in blocks per set and 37th in total team blocks (231). Senior Marci Bell remains a dominant presence in the middle, ranking 1st in the Big Sky and 39th nationally with 1.27 blocks per set (108 total). Junior Jaydin Watts, the Big Sky Preseason MVP, continues her efficient campaign, ranking 5th in the conference in hitting percentage (.370) and among the Top 8 in blocks (1.13/set). Freshman setter Nora Waddoups has recorded over 600 assists, ranking among the Top 25 NCAA freshmen in total assists, while sophomore Jenna Werbelow anchors the defense at 3.69 digs per set (4th in Big Sky). Senior Meline Shulikov continues to provide balance in attack and defense, posting 113 kills and 53 blocks.

By the Numbers (through Nov. 3)

• Record: 7-15 (3-7 Big Sky)

• Attack Percentage: .181

• Kills Per Set: 11.88

• Blocks Per Set: 2.71 (1st Big Sky, 27th NCAA)

• Digs Per Set: 14.98

Players to Watch

• Marci Bell (Senior, Middle Blocker) – 180 kills, 108 total blocks (1.27/set); 1st Big Sky, 39th NCAA in blocks per set.

• Jaydin Watts (Junior, Middle Blocker) – 166 kills (.370 hitting), 86 blocks (1.13/set); Top 10 Big Sky in both hitting and blocking.

• Meline Shulikov (Senior, Opposite/Setter) – 113 kills, 53 blocks.

• Nora Waddoups (Freshman, Setter) – 600+ assists (7.69/set); among Top 25 NCAA freshmen in total assists.

• Jenna Werbelow (Sophomore, Libero) – 277 digs (3.69/set); 4th in Big Sky in digs per set.

Quick Scout – Eastern Washington (2-20, 0-10 Big Sky)

Eastern Washington enters Thursday's contest still seeking its first conference victory of the season. The Eagles rank 5th in the Big Sky in blocks per set (2.38), led by middle blocker Judith Bolomboy, who has posted 90 total blocks (1.08/set). Offensively, Kalista Lukovich leads the attack with 227 kills (3.11/set), while Quincy Moran adds 133 kills and a .150 hitting percentage. Setter Anna Bolich averages 5.47 assists per set, and Elle Bruegman leads the back row with 234 digs (3.12/set).

• Record: 2-20 (0-10 Big Sky)

• Attack Percentage: .145

• Blocks Per Set: 2.38 (5th Big Sky)

• All-Time Series vs. Idaho State: Eastern Washington leads 43–42 overall.

• Recent Meetings: The Bengals swept the Eagles 3-0 in Pocatello earlier this season (Oct. 11).

Quick Scout – Idaho (5-17, 2-8 Big Sky)

The Vandals come into the weekend with two conference wins and momentum after a home victory against Eastern Washington last week. Kiana Greer leads the offense with 269 kills (3.28/set), while Cayton White follows closely with 243 kills (3.08/set) and ranks among the Top 10 in the Big Sky in hitting percentage (.159). Setters Aleina Manaois and Csenge Krakoczki share setting duties, averaging 6.79 and 6.15 assists per set, respectively. Middle blocker Koen Makaula leads the Vandals in total blocks (68), while libero Kyriah Trefren has tallied 230 digs (2.99/set).

• Record: 5-17 (2-8 Big Sky)

• Attack Percentage: .161

• Blocks Per Set: 1.74

• All-Time Series vs. Idaho State: Idaho leads 25–24 overall.

• Recent Meetings: Idaho State has won five straight over the Vandals, including a 3-1 win in Pocatello earlier this season.

How to Follow

• Thursday, Nov. 6 – Idaho State at Eastern Washington (6:00 p.m. PT, Cheney, WA)
  📺 ESPN+ | 📊 Live Stats

• Saturday, Nov. 8 – Idaho State at Idaho (7:00 p.m. MT, Moscow, ID)
  📺 ESPN+ | 📊 Live Stats

Bengal Bites

• Idaho State ranks 1st in the Big Sky and 27th nationally in blocks per set (2.71) and 37th nationally in total team blocks (231).

• Marci Bell – 1st in Big Sky, 39th NCAA in blocks per set (1.27); 108 total.

• Jaydin Watts – 5th in Big Sky in hitting percentage (.370); Top 10 in blocks (1.13).

• Jenna Werbelow – 4th in Big Sky in digs per set (3.69).

• Nora Waddoups – Among Top 25 NCAA freshmen in total assists (600+).

• Idaho State has recorded 10 or more team blocks in 15 matches this season.

Looking Ahead

Idaho State wraps up their road play in regular season next week, traveling to take on Northern Colorado on Thursday, Nov. 13, before going to take on Northern Arizona on Saturday, Nov. 15.