Fresh off a win against Idaho State Thursday, the Idaho volleyball team (4-8) defeated Eastern Washington 3-1 (25-21, 25-16, 24-26, 25-19) Friday at Reese Court in Cheney.
Sophomore outside hitter Haylee Mathis earned her first career triple-double with 10 kills, 15 assists and 19 digs.
Mathis said she was focused on doing her part.
“Honestly, when I am playing I have no idea what my stats are,” Mathis said in a news release. “It feels great to be able to produce in three different aspects of the game. I could not do it without the team.”
Freshman setter Megan Ramseyer led Idaho with 20 assists. Junior outside hitter Becca Mau racked 17 kills.
Idaho head coach Debbie Buchanan said the team had good composure.
“We talked about being a team and every night we have had to rely on different people,” Buchanan said. “(Thursday) it was Sarah (Sharp) and Kaela (Straw). (Friday) it was Becca and Haylee.”
Mathis’ triple-double was the first under Buchanan’s run as head coach.
The Eagles dropped the first two sets.
Eastern Washington took control early in set three.
The Eagles led 17-14 until a 3-0 run by Mau and sophomore outside hitter DeVonne Ryter tied the set. Eastern Washington took back the lead with a 3-0 run.
The Vandals dropped set three 26-24.
Errors plagued Eastern Washington in the early stages of set four and gave Idaho an early lead.
Four straight attack errors from the Eagles helped Idaho extend its lead 15-6.
Eastern Washington was unable to recover from the deficit as sophomore outside hitter Kaela Straw wrapped up the win with two kills.
Buchanan said the last two wins showcase Idaho’s potential.
“This is the potential that we have talked about all season,” Buchanan said. “I think the girls are starting to feel it too. It is just a matter of keeping it going at this point.”
The Vandals play Northern Colorado 6 p.m. Thursday in Greeley.
Luis Torres can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @TheLTFiles