The Vandals returned home to the Memorial Gym off their short two-game road trip dropping straight sets to Sacramento State and Portland State. They welcomed the 7-15 Bobcats who defeated them in Bozeman back on October 12.
Vandals began strong, leading 3-0 to start and eventually growing the lead to 14-6. However, a 3-1 run by MSU got them back within six points before a timeout on the floor. UI continued to show fight, but so did MSU as they were back within three at 23-20 before Idaho scored a pair to close out set 25-20. Winning their first set since the home opener on Sep 26 vs PSU. It also marks their fifth overall set won this year and second in Big Sky conference play.
In the second, once again UI scored first but the Bobcats picked things up and grabbed the next five in a row before a timeout was called by coach Romana. MSU grew their advantage to 8-1 before the Vandals landed their second point. UI got back to within four at one point, but the Bobcats dominated from there, going on a 14-2 run to take the second set 25-9 and even the match at 1-1.
Vandals struck first but things were quickly tied at one. MSU took the lead 2-1 but were tied again at two. Bobcats went on a roll from there, growing their lead to as big as 13, Finishing the set at 25-12, retaking the overall lead of the night.
A fourth set was played and MSU quickly got out to a 6-1 lead before the Vandals took another timeout. Out of the break and out of nowhere UI got nine straight points and a timeout was taken by the stunned MSU sideline. After a few more rallies and a successful Bobcats challenge they were back in front, growing their lead to 17-11 before another Vandals timeout. UI kept fighting but unfortunately ran out of gas as MSU won 25-14 and took the match three sets to one. Bobcats swept the season series with the Vandals and UI drops to 1-22 in 2024 and 0-12 in conference play.
The Vandals only have one more home game this season. Taking place this Saturday night against the Montana Grizzlies, who defeated them earlier last month. It’ll be the last time the seniors take the court in the Memorial Gymnasium and Lauryn Arnold and Taylor Brickey both spoke about their final year as Vandals “I just want to thank everyone for taking in this last year together. I know it hasn’t gone how we wanted but we definitely made the most of it”, said Brickey.
“Have a good rest of the season, put it all out on the court. Last time being in a Vandal jersey at home, ready to represent, have fun, enjoy it”. Arnold said.
The game will begin at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.
You can reach Jackson Hamelund at [email protected]