Eastern Washington’s fast pace in each set became a challenge for the Idaho volleyball team as it was swept by the Eagles (21-25, 19-25, 22-25) at Reese Court in Cheney, Washington Saturday. It was Idaho’s first 3-0 loss since Sept. 12 against Portland.
Senior outside hitter Katelyn Peterson led the Vandals with 11 kills while senior setter Meredith Coba led Idaho with 16 assists.
Idaho coach Debbie Buchanan said the Eagles are a great team that plays with a lot of confidence.
She said her experienced players improved late in the match and hopes her team will improve on its mistakes before facing Portland State 7 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Gym.
“Our experienced players did not start making swings until late,” Buchanan said. “We have to come out with that strong mentality, reduce our errors and just play.”
The Vandals once again were below .200 on attack percentage with a .135 to the Eagles’ .314. Idaho also committed 24 total errors to Eastern Washington’s 14.
Kills by Eastern Washington’s Chloe Weber and attack errors by Idaho redshirt freshman outside hitter Kaela Straw began a 5-0 run in the early stages of the third set, which allowed Eastern Washington to pull away from the Vandals.
But the Eagles fought for the sweep as Idaho’s 4-0 run near the end of the set cut Eastern Washington’s lead down to 22-21.
The Eagles wrapped up their sweep after a kill by Ana Jakovljevic, who ended the night with 11 kills.
With the win, Eastern Washington remains undefeated in Big Sky Conference play.
Idaho is now 1-3 in the conference after playing two matches this weekend. The Vandals head back home to play two games at Memorial Gym, starting with Portland State and then finishing with Sacramento State 7 p.m. Saturday.
Idaho’s last meeting with the Vikings went five sets, which Portland State won on Oct. 9 last season. The Vikings lost their Saturday match against Idaho State in five sets and are 1-3 in conference play.
Luis Torres can be reached at [email protected]