Bengals Open 2025 Season at The Ridge Invitational

POCATELLO, Idaho - Idaho State Volleyball begins the 2025 season in Northridge, California at The Ridge Invitational, hosted by CSUN. The Bengals will face the Matadors on Friday, Cal Baptist on Saturday, and Pacific on Sunday.

Season Outlook
The Bengals enter 2025 with momentum after finishing 21-10 overall and 11-5 in Big Sky play last season, earning a spot in the conference tournament semi-finals. That success carried over into the preseason polls, where Idaho State was picked to finish tied for third in the Big Sky and collected two first-place votes. Junior middle blocker Jaydin Watts earned recognition as the Big Sky Preseason MVP, while senior opposite hitter Meline Shulikov joined her on the Preseason All-Conference Team. Alongside veteran contributors such as Marci Bell, Jenna Werbelow, Brinley Smith, and Chloe Heimlicher, the Bengals also welcome a large group of freshmen and redshirt freshmen who will add depth across all positions. With a blend of proven talent and new energy, Idaho State looks to build on last year's breakthrough season.

By the Numbers (2024 Season)

• Record: 21-10 (11-5 Big Sky)
• Attack Percentage: .250
• Kills Per Set: 12.65
• Blocks Per Set: 2.96
• Digs Per Set: 14.55

Players to Watch

• Jaydin Watts (Jr., Lancaster, Calif.) – Big Sky Preseason MVP, 235 kills, .327 hitting, 161 total blocks in 2024.
• Meline Shulikov (Sr., Spanish Fork, Utah) – Preseason All-Conference honoree, 241 kills and 131 blocks last season.
• Marci Bell (R-Jr., Henefer, Utah) – Steady presence at the net, contributing 229 kills and 153 blocks in 2024.
• Jenna Werbelow (So., Phoenix, Ariz.) – Logged 99 digs as a freshman and is expected to step into a larger role.
• Chloe Heimlicher (Jr., Parker, Colo.) – Veteran defensive specialist who appeared in 28 matches last year.

Quick Scout

• CSUN – Hosts The Ridge Invitational, bringing physical play at the net and home-court energy into the opening matchup.
• Cal Baptist – The Lancers are a developing program with length and balance, making their first meeting with Idaho State.
• Pacific – A West Coast Conference opponent, the Tigers provide a new challenge as ISU faces them for the first time.

Looking Ahead
Following The Ridge Invitational, Idaho State travels to Denver, Colorado for The Denver Invitational, hosted by the University of Denver from Sept. 4–6. The Bengals will face Denver, Texas Southern, and Memphis while there. Stay connected with Bengal Volleyball all season long. Follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram for highlights, updates, and behind-the-scenes content.