NORTHRIDGE, California – Idaho State volleyball closed out play at The Ridge Invitational with back-to-back five-set battles, falling to California Baptist 2-3 (20–25, 25–17, 17–25, 25–7, 12–15) on Saturday and to Pacific 2-3 (25–27, 21–25, 25–23, 25–18, 9–15) on Sunday at Premier America Credit Union Arena.
Recap
Match vs. California Baptist
The Bengals opened strong against CBU, dominating the second set before dropping the third. Idaho State stormed back in the fourth with a commanding 25–7 win, but the Lancers steadied in the fifth to take the match 15–12.
Marci Bell anchored the Bengals with eight kills and 12 blocks, and seven digs, while freshman Nora Waddoups had a breakout 28 assist, 11 dig performance, while also adding five kills. Jaydin Watts added 10 kills, and Meline Shulikov chipped in seven kills and seven digs. ISU's block was a bright spot, totaling 18.5 rejections.
Match vs. Pacific
Against the Tigers, Idaho State fought from behind after dropping the first two sets 27–25 and 25–21. The Bengals clawed back, winning tight third and fourth sets 25–23 and 25–18 to force a decisive fifth. However, Pacific closed out the frame 15–9 to seal the match.
Watts was nearly unstoppable, leading ISU with 14 kills on an efficient .722 hitting percentage (8th All-Time in ISU Single Match history Min. 11 attempts). Shulikov added 13 kills, and Bell recorded six blocks. Libero Jenna Werbelow collected a team-high 15 digs.
Bengal Bites
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ISU vs. CBU: Bell (10 kills, 6 blocks); Watts (10 kills); Shulikov (7 kills, 7 digs, 5 blocks); team totaled 18.5 blocks.
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ISU vs. Pacific: Watts (14 kills, .722); Shulikov (13 kills); Bell (6 blocks); Werbelow (15 digs).
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ISU's block was dominant across the weekend, combining for over 48 total team blocks in the three matches.
