In its last weekend before entering Big Sky Conference play, the Idaho volleyball team took a quick trip to Pullman to polish up against some elite competition.
The Vandals lost to the Washington State Cougars 3-1 at Bohler Gym Thursday evening.
After taking care of business against Boise State and Portland last weekend, the Vandals battled hard against a talented Cougar team. Idaho (4-7) plays No. 23. Loyola Marymount (10-0) at 1 p.m. Friday in Pullman.
It was a balanced attack again for Idaho, as four players recorded double-digit kills. Senior middle blocker Alyssa Schultz finished with nine.
“Our goal this match was to stay steady emotionally and keep picking away at them,” Schultz said. “It’s just a few things here or there that we let go that were in our control.”
Idaho coach Debbie Buchanan was happy with the play of Stephanie Hagins, who finished the match with a .909 hitting percentage.
The Cougars (8-2) defeated Idaho in the first set 25-19. WSU had a .282 hitting percentage as a team, highlighted by Kyra Holt’s .378 hitting percentage with 18 kills.
A tense, back-and-fourth affair ensued in the second set. Neither team was ahead by more than three points. Each team had several chances to clinch the set, but it was the Cougars who prevailed 31-29.
“That’s when the tension mounts and that’s what we live for,” Schultz said. “We love it when it’s back and fourth because that means both teams are at each other’s throats.”
Washington State seemingly had the match in the bag when it led 20-14 in the third set. Idaho battled back, thanks to tough serving by defensive specialist Samantha Delmer. The Vandals won the set 26-24.
“We have it in us,” Buchanan said. “Our team has proven that numerous times this year where we’re not giving up. They definitely have that ability to stay in some of these long matches.”
The fourth set was also back and fourth, but the Cougars prevailed 25-22.
Buchanan said the team needs to focus on executing all the way through a match and not try to do too much in tense situations.
“It was our goal not to panic,” Schultz said. “This is a really crazy atmosphere and it’s a personal rivalry for us. It was our goal to not panic if we got down and keep doing what we do.”
Conor Gleason can be reached at [email protected]