MOSCOW, Idaho – Idaho State volleyball continued its mastery over in-state rival Idaho on Saturday afternoon, earning a 3–1 victory (21–25, 25–20, 25–22, 25–21) in Moscow. The win marked the Bengals' seventh straight triumph over the Vandals and completed the season sweep of their in-state rivals.
With the win, Idaho State improved to 9–15 overall and 5–7 in Big Sky play, while Idaho fell to 5–19 and 2–10 in conference.
Recap
After dropping a close opening set, the Bengals regrouped and dominated the next three frames behind an efficient offensive performance and a rejuvenated front line. Idaho State outhit Idaho .215 to .106, finishing with 55 kills, 11 blocks, and 58 digs in one of its most complete matches of the season.
The story of the night was the return of junior middle blocker Jaydin Watts, who rejoined the starting lineup at full strength and immediately made her presence felt. Watts led the Bengals with 14 kills on .346 hitting and added five blocks and 17.0 total points. Her combination of energy and power helped the Bengals stabilize after the slow first set.
"Today, Marci Bell, Jaydin Watts, and Brinley Smith carried us," Head Coach Sean Carter said. "We settled in after the first set and were able to make the adjustments we needed to defensively despite not having our best serving performance. It was a big win for us and gets us that much closer to clinching our spot in the conference tournament."
Redshirt senior Brinley Smith delivered a breakout performance, setting new career highs with 13 kills and a .226 hitting percentage. Her efficiency on the right side gave the Bengals a consistent outlet through the middle sets. "Brinley was terrific," Carter said. "She played with confidence and really gave us another offensive option that opened everything up."
Senior middle blocker Marci Bell added 11 kills on .476 hitting with six blocks to continue her steady production, while redshirt freshman outside hitter Abby McClain contributed nine kills, seven digs, and three blocks.
Freshman setter Nora Waddoups anchored the offense with 44 assists and 12 digs, recording her 12th double-double of the season. Her poise in transition and precise distribution kept the Bengal attack balanced all afternoon.
The match also saw senior Meline Shulikov return to a full-time role, contributing defensively and providing key serve-receive stability. "It was great having Meline back out there," Carter said. "She gave us more balance and helped us stay organized in transition."
Libero Jenna Werbelow led the back row with 13 digs, while defensive specialist Chloe Heimlicher added six as Idaho State held the Vandals to just .106 hitting.
After losing the first set 21–25, the Bengals dominated the second, hitting .364 and building a 7–2 lead to seize momentum. From there, ISU controlled the final two sets, using its depth at the net and disciplined block positioning to close out its seventh straight win over Idaho.
Bengal Bites
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Idaho State earns its seventh consecutive win over Idaho, completing a regular-season sweep of the Vandals.
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The Bengals improve to 9–15 overall, 5–7 Big Sky play.
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ISU outhit Idaho .215 to .106, recording 11 team blocks and 58 digs.
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Watts: 14 kills (.346), 5 blocks, 17.0 points (return to full strength and starting lineup).
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B. Smith: Career highs – 13 kills (.226), 2 blocks, 14.0 points.
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Bell: 11 kills (.476), 6 blocks, 15.0 points.
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McClain: 9 kills (.125), 7 digs, 3 blocks, 10.5 points.
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Waddoups: 44 assists, 12 digs (12th double-double of the season), 3 kills (.182).
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Werbelow: 13 digs, steady serve-receive.
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ISU improved to 6-5 this season when hitting above .200 as a team.
Next Up
Idaho State caps off their final road trip of regular season play next week, traveling to Greeley, CO to go up against the Northern Colorado Bears on Thursday, Nov. 13th, and finished off with the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks in Flagstaff, AZ on Saturday, Nov. 15th.
