The Vandals look to defend their flawless home record during conference play against both Montana teams in the Big Sky.
While Idaho has not lost at home, they are facing a team that beat them earlier this season.
Season Recap:
After a tough loss against Sacramento State (12-13, BSC 7-5) last week, the Vandals (12-12, BSC 8-4) currently sit in a tie for second in the conference with Weber State. The Vandals look to solidify their second place standing with two wins this week.
Leading the team in points still is sophomore outside hitter Kennedy Warren with 23% of the team’s total season points. Warren currently hits a .273 percentage and leads the team’s offense from the outside. Both middle blockers, redshirt sophomore Nikki Ball and freshman Kyra Palmbush have held a strong offensive presence as well with 256 and 250 points respectively.
Senior libero Delaney Hopen continues to lead the team’s defense with 399 digs on the season followed closely by sophomore defensive specialist Becca Owen and freshman defensive specialist Alaina Lacey.
University of Montana:
The Grizzlies (4-19, BSC 3-9) have had a tough season up to this point but have gained a couple of wins in the last two weeks. First beating Portland State 3-1, then Montana State 3-1. The Grizzlies have good momentum after these wins, but this team is still 3-9 throughout conference play and 4-19 this season. Statistically, Idaho plays a better game and should be able to overcome the hurdle.
Idaho needs to work on not letting off the gas if they get an early lead, while playing strong through the entirety of the game.
Montana State University:
The Bobcats (10-11, BSC 6-6) were the first team to overtake the Vandals this season, beating them 1-3. Montana State features a pin-heavy offense with three leading scorers all being outside hitters. The Bobcats also recently beat Sacramento State, so this is not a team that will be an easy win for Idaho.
The Vandals need to play strong volleyball to defend their home court against this Montana State team. The pins are where Montana State can score points so the Idaho middle blockers Palmbush and Ball need to work hard to take control of the net defensively and shut down the leading scorers on the court.
When and where:
The Vandals will take on the University of Montana Grizzlies 6 p.m. Thursday and the Montana State Bobcats 1 p.m. Saturday, both inside Memorial Gym.
Connor Swersey can be reached at [email protected]