WICHITA, Kansas – Idaho State volleyball's Mia Walsh and Jaydin Watts were named to the Shocker Volleyball Classic All-Tournament Team following standout performances during the Bengals' opening weekend in Wichita, Kansas.
The tournament also marked a homecoming for Idaho State head coach Sean Carter and assistant coach Chelsea Carter, who returned to Wichita State after previously serving on the Shockers' coaching staff. Sean Carter spent eight seasons as Wichita State's associate head coach before taking over the Idaho State program, while Chelsea Carter also served as an assistant coach with the Shockers for five years.
Idaho State made the return a memorable one, finishing the tournament with a 2-1 record and closing the weekend with back-to-back victories over Stephen F. Austin and host Wichita State. The Bengals defeated Wichita State, 3-1, on Saturday to cap the tournament.
Walsh put together an all-around weekend for the Bengals, leading Idaho State with 30 kills while adding 31 digs, eight total blocks and two service aces across 11 sets. The outside hitter averaged 2.73 kills and 2.82 digs per set, finishing the weekend with a team-high 36.5 points.
Watts continued to make her presence felt at the net throughout the tournament. The senior middle blocker totaled 19 kills on a .273 hitting percentage while leading the Bengals with 17 total blocks, including two solo blocks and 15 block assists. Watts averaged 1.55 blocks per set and finished the weekend with 28.5 points.
The Bengals' blocking effort was a major factor throughout the weekend, as Idaho State totaled 26 blocks over 11 sets, averaging 2.36 blocks per set.
Shocker Volleyball Classic All-Tournament Team
Idaho State
Mia Walsh
Jaydin Watts
Wichita State
Maddie Wilson
McKenzie Jones
Missouri State
Hannah Gardner
Stephen F. Austin
Caroline Kahle
Idaho State leaves Wichita at 2-1 on the season after defeating Stephen F. Austin, 3-1, and Wichita State, 3-1.
Next Up
The Bengals continue non-conference play at the Boise State Classic, beginning Thursday, Sept. 3 in Boise, Idaho. Idaho State will face UNLV, North Dakota State and Boise State during the three-day tournament.
