NORTHRIDGE, California – Idaho State volleyball opened the 2025 season with a five-set battle at CSU Northridge, falling 2-3 (25-18, 25–23, 29–31, 23–25, 12–15) Friday night at Premier America Credit Union Arena.
Recap
The Bengals looked poised for a sweep, controlling the first two sets behind a balanced attack and a strong block at the net. ISU held CSUN to just .094 hitting in the opener and rolled to a 2–0 lead.
Turning Point – Set Three
The third set was the breaking point. Idaho State built multiple chances to finish the match but could not deliver the knockout swing. The Bengals had four match point opportunities—at 24–23, 25–24, 28–27, and 29–28—but CSUN answered each one. ISU committed three attack errors during the stretch, and the Matadors capitalized with a pair of late kills to escape 31–29. That collapse gave CSUN life, and the Matadors used the momentum to edge the fourth 25–23 and complete the comeback 15–12 in the fifth.
Marci Bell and Meline Shulikov paced the Bengals with 11 kills apiece, while Tana Howard and Brinley Smith each chipped in with 9. Marci Bell finished with a game-high eight blocks, while Tana Howard would total six, and Jaydin Watts ended the match with four. Sydney Hess and Kadence Marsh split passing duties, Hess leading the team with 25 assists, while Marsh would end her evening with 22. Jenna Werbelow led the Bengals in digs tonight, totaling 15, while Annelie Wilson and Kadence Marsh would each finish with eight.
Bengal Bites
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Idaho State out-blocked CSUN 14.5–5.0.
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ISU had four third-set match point chances but could not close out the sweep.
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Bell finishes with 11 kills (.385 attack %), 8 blocks, 4 digs
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Shulikov tallies 11 kills (.214 attack %), 6 digs, 2 blocks
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Howard posted 9 kills and 6 blocks.
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Smith contributed 9 kills on .308 hitting.
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Werbelow recorded 15 digs.
