The Vandals kicked off the 2018 Big Sky Tournament with dominance, sweeping Montana in the first round.
Idaho continued a run of success against the Grizzlies, building off two regular-season sweeps. None of the sets featured complete dominance, but the second-seeded Vandals ensured an appearance in the semifinals with limited errors and just enough offense.
Montana appeared as if they were ready to start a comeback with a 7-3 lead in the third set, but Idaho’s veteran leadership ensured a win. The Vandals closed the gap with a 6-1 stretch that included five kills from three seniors. Outside hitter Sarah Sharp led the way with seven of her 12 kills in the third set, including the final kill to end the match.
The match as a whole was a defensive affair, as neither team hit better than .241 in any set and Montana never recorded a hitting percentage higher than .156. In spite of this, the Grizzlies finished with two more kills than the Vandals in the losing effort.
Senior setter Haylee Mathis kept the Vandals on track with 31 assists and seven digs. Senior middle blocker Reece Carman finished with seven kills and three blocks to anchor the front line.
Idaho will take on Northern Colorado Friday 6:05 p.m. in the Big Sky Tournament semifinal.
Jonah Baker can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @jonahpbaker