Matchup Overview
Idaho State Volleyball (4-10, 0-2 Big Sky) continues conference play this week with a road test at Weber State on Friday, Oct. 3, in Ogden, Utah. The Bengals look to bounce back from opening-week setbacks to Portland State and Northern Arizona, while the Wildcats (9-5, 1-1) return home after splitting their first league weekend.
Season Outlook
Despite recent results, Idaho State remains one of the Big Sky's top defensive teams at the net, ranking 1st in the conference and 23rd nationally in blocks per set (2.75). The Bengals also stand 5th in the NCAA in total team blocks (151). Junior outside hitter Jaydin Watts, the Big Sky Preseason MVP, ranks 4th in the Big Sky in hitting percentage (.375) while contributing 125 kills and 62 blocks. Redshirt junior Marci Bell has been one of the nation's most effective blockers, ranking 52nd in the NCAA in blocks per set (1.33) and tied for 10th nationally in total blocks (73). Freshman setter Nora Waddoups has recorded 328 assists this year, ranking 19th among NCAA freshmen in total assists. Senior Meline Shulikov adds balance at the net, and libero Jenna Werbelow has been a steady defensive leader in the back row.
By the Numbers (through Sept. 29)
Players to Watch
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Jaydin Watts – 125 kills (.375 hitting), 62 blocks; 4th in Big Sky hitting %, 5th in blocks per set.
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Marci Bell – 96 kills, 73 total blocks (1.33 per set); ranks 52nd in NCAA in blocks per set and tied for 10th nationally in total blocks.
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Meline Shulikov – 70 kills, 32 blocks, averaging 1.33 blocks per set in Big Sky play.
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Nora Waddoups – 328 assists (6.56 per set), 8th in Big Sky; 19th among NCAA freshmen in total assists.
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Jenna Werbelow – 171 digs (3.80 per set), 4th in Big Sky.
Quick Scout – Weber State (9-5, 1-1 Big Sky)
The Wildcats enter Friday night following a win over Northern Colorado and a loss at Sacramento State. Weber ranks 3rd in the Big Sky in hitting percentage (.244) and 4th in blocks (2.33 per set). Offensively, Ashley Gneiting (144 kills, 3.13 per set) and Kaylie Ray (128 kills, 3.12 per set) provide a balanced attack. Setter Morgan Pratt ranks 2nd in the Big Sky in assists (9.42 per set), while libero Kylie Moran adds 120 digs. At the net, Brielle Rueckert (50 blocks, 1.02 per set) anchors a strong defensive front.
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All-Time Series vs. Idaho State: Weber State leads 52-47.
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Recent Meetings: The teams split in 2024, with Weber winning in Ogden (3-1) and Idaho State taking a 3-2 thriller in Pocatello.
How to Follow
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Friday, Oct. 3 – Idaho State at Weber State (6:00 p.m. MT, Ogden, UT)
📺 ESPN+ | 📊 Live Stats
Bengal Bites
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Idaho State ranks 1st in the Big Sky and 23rd in the NCAA in blocks per set (2.75) and 4th nationally in total team blocks (151).
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Marci Bell – Ranks 7th nationally in blocks per set (1.33) and tied for 2nd in the NCAA in total blocks (73); also 2nd in the Big Sky.
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Jaydin Watts – 4th in the Big Sky in hitting percentage (.375), 5th in blocks per set (1.13).
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Meline Shulikov – Averaging 1.33 blocks per set in conference play, tied for 3rd in the Big Sky.
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Jenna Werbelow – 4th in the Big Sky in digs per set (3.80), recorded a conference season-high 30 digs vs. Wyoming.
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Nora Waddoups – 8th in the Big Sky in assists (6.56 per set) and 19th among NCAA freshmen in total assists (328).
Looking Ahead
Following Friday's trip to Ogden, Idaho State returns home for a rivalry matchup against Idaho on Thursday, Oct. 9, before hosting Eastern Washington on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Reed Gym.
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