Bengals Travel to Denver Invitational for Matches with Denver, Texas Southern, and Memphis

Idaho State Volleyball continues its non-conference schedule this week at the Denver Invitational, hosted by the University of Denver. The Bengals will face Texas Southern on Thursday, Memphis on Friday, and the host Denver Pioneers on Saturday in a three-match tournament in the Mile High City.

Season Outlook
The Bengals opened the season with three consecutive five-set battles at The Ridge Invitational, narrowly falling to CSUN, Cal Baptist, and Pacific. Despite the 0-3 start, Idaho State demonstrated depth and resilience, pushing each opponent to the limit. Entering the second weekend of non-conference play, the Bengals aim to convert close matches into victories. Junior outside hitter Jaydin Watts, the Big Sky Preseason MVP, and senior Meline Shulikov, a Preseason All-Conference Team selection, continue to anchor the squad. They are supported by redshirt junior Marci Bell, sophomore libero Jenna Werbelow, and junior defensive specialist Chloe Heimlicher, while a strong freshman and redshirt freshman class is already contributing valuable minutes.

By the Numbers (through Sept. 1st)

• Record: 0-3 (all five-set matches)
• Attack Percentage: .215
• Kills Per Set: 10.00
• Blocks Per Set: 3.20
• Digs Per Set: 11.60

Players to Watch
Meline Shulikov leads Idaho State with 31 kills on .186 hitting, averaging 2.07 kills per set, and 12 total blocks, while also being 2^nd on the team in digs, with 22. Jaydin Watts follows closely behind with 30 kills on a Big Sky Conference leading .490 hitting percentage, averaging 2 kills per set, and adding 15 blocks, while Marci Bell has contributed in many ways for the Bengals, totaling 24 kills on a .279 hitting clip, and a conference-leading 26 blocks (1.73 per set). Freshman setter Nora Waddoups has paced the offense with 53 assists (5.30 per set), while Sydney Hess and Kadence Marsh add depth at the setter position. In the back row, Jenna Werbelow has tallied 44 digs (2.93 per set) to lead the Bengals defensively.


Quick Scout

• Texas Southern – The Tigers open their 2025 campaign at the Denver Invitational, bringing a fresh roster to the tournament. 
• Memphis – Off to a 3-0 start, the Tigers feature Amanda Hardt averaging 4.36 kills and 5.18 points per set. Setter Madelyn Bach directs the attack with 9.60 assists per set, while Zaniah Hoskins adds 2.64 kills and 2.91 digs per set. Memphis is hitting .227 as a team and has held opponents under .100.
• Denver – The host Pioneers (1-1) bounced back from a loss at USC with a five-set win at LMU. Genevieve Lewis leads the attack with 25 kills (3.13 per set), while setter Ilayda Eren averages 4.50 assists per set. Denver is averaging 10.25 kills and 2.38 blocks per set through its first two matches.

How to Follow

• Thursday, Sept. 4 – Idaho State vs. Texas Southern (4 p.m.)
  📺 Watch Live | 📊 Live Stats
• Friday, Sept. 5 – Idaho State vs. Memphis (4 p.m.)
  📺 Watch Live | 📊 Live Stats
• Saturday, Sept. 6 – Idaho State at Denver (1 p.m.)
  📺 Watch Live | 📊 Live Stats

Looking Ahead
Following the Denver Invitational, Idaho State will travel to Boise, ID for the Boise State Invitational on Sept. 11^th -13^th where ISU will take on the University of San Francisco, Utah Tech, and Boise State.

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