Idaho volleyball loses tough game on road
The Idaho volleyball team was one point away from winning Thursday night, but three consecutive points by Portland State sealed the game.
Brandon Miller | Argonaut
Sophomore defensive specialist Terra Varney prepares to receive a serve during Idaho’s 3-0 victory over Northern Arizona Oct.1 in Menmorial Gym. The Vandals lost 3-2 Thursday at Portland.
The Idaho volleyball team was one point away from winning Thursday night, but three consecutive points by Portland State sealed the game.
The Vikings edged Idaho 3-2 in Big Sky Conference play in Portland.
The sets went back and forth, as Portland State (4-13, 2-3 Big Sky) took the first, third and fifth sets, and Idaho took the second and fourth sets.
The Vandals had three players with double-digit kills. Ali Forde had 18 kills and 20 digs. Stephanie Hagins had 11 kills with a .304 hitting percentage and eight blocks. Katelyn Peterson contributed 10 kills and 16 digs. Alyssa Schultz had 11 blocks and setter Meredith Coba added 48 assists.
The Vandals (7-10, 3-2 Big Sky) continue their Big Sky road trip against Sacramento State 7 p.m. Saturday.
Portland State took the first set 25-22. Portland State and Idaho went back and forth early in the set. They were tied 11-11, but the Vikings took control with a 12-4 run to take a 23-15 lead.
The Vandals climbed back into the set and came within two points 24-22, but Lauren Nicholson finished the set off with a kill for the Vikings.
Idaho took an 8-7 lead in the second set and extended it to 13-7. The Vandals further distanced themselves when they led 22-14, but Portland State stormed back to within three points at 23-20. Two errors doomed the Vikings as they lost 25-20.
Portland State won the third set 25-16. The Vikings jumped out to a 13-5 lead and never really looked back. Idaho fought back to trail Portland State 18-13. But the Vikings ended the set on a 7-3 run.
Idaho narrowly took the fourth set 25-23. The Vandals appeared to be running away with the fourth set, after leading 10-2. The Vikings then grabbed the momentum and cut the Vandal lead to 11-8.
The Vikings tied it at 19-19 and 20-20, but the Vandals managed to force a fifth set.
The Vikings closed the match in the fifth set, winning 16-14. Portland State took an 8-4 lead. Idaho chipped away to tie it at 10 and eventually the Vandals took a 14-13 lead. But the Vikings took the next three points to win the set and the match.
Garrett Cabeza can be reached at [email protected]