The University of Idaho Argonaut

Haley Larson, left, Debbie Pederson, center, Kelsey James, right jump to block a shot at Thursdays volleyball game against New Mexico State in the Memorial Gym. Steven Devine/Argonaut

The University of Idaho volleyball squad dropped three straight sets to New Mexico State in a less than full Memorial Gym during the team’s first home conference matchup. The loss was Idaho’s first sweep of the season.
It also marks Idaho’s first three game losing streak since the final three matches last year and drops Idaho’s record to 7-6, 0-2 in the WAC.

“This was our worst match of the season,” Idaho coach Debbie Buchanan said.
Statistically, it was Idaho’s worst hitting percentage of the season. The Vandals came in at .113. The third set had Idaho hitting just .039.
Buchanan said it was a chance missed against a good opponent, and hopefully it would be a “kick in the something” for the Vandals as they head to Boise State.

Idaho looked rough in the beginning of the first set, falling behind 13-22. The Vandals then rallied scoring nine points before New Mexico State picked up the three points it needed to seal their victory in the match.
The second and third sets were no better for the Vandals as they fell 18-25 and 15-25.
One area Idaho had an advantage in was defense. The team out-blocked the Aggies 6-2.

“We were scared tonight, and we played like we were scared,” Buchanan said.
New Mexico, who is now 8-6, 3-0 is not nationally ranked this season, but has received several votes in the NCAA Coaches Poll.
Idaho hits the road this weekend to take on rival Boise State. The game will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday in Boise.