The Idaho volleyball team (12-8, BSC 7-2) lost to No. 1 Sacramento State (18-7, BSC 9-0)
Thursday evening. The loss brought the Vandals’ six-game win streak to an end. “They [Sacramento State] are a really solid team,” Idaho head coach Debbie Buchanan said in a news release. “We talked about that. We always talk about our errors and managing those. Really, that was the difference in the match.”
The opening set was battled all the way down to the end, though the Vandals could not seal the deal in the final stages. Trailing by only one point, the Vandals set for the service. A kill from an opposing Hornets player delivered the final blow and the first set was in the books. The opponents claimed the first set 25-23.
Idaho opened the second set and struggled to extend its lead past a couple points. Despite being unable to get anything going early, the Vandals still rallied off key offensive plays and kills from junior outside hitter Sarah Sharp and junior outside hitter Kaela Straw.
The Hornets started to close in on claiming the set, after extending their lead 22-15. However, Idaho refused to go down without a contest. The Vandals at one point cut the lead to three.
Ultimately, the Sacramento State offense managed to outlast Idaho in the late second set. Idaho needed a strong outing in the third set or it would be the final one.
Idaho put forth a strong effort throughout the third set. The team continued to remain within striking distance the entire time, but it was not enough.
In the final set, the Hornets were able to defeat Idaho 25-23 to take the match in three sweeping sets.
Another Big Sky matchup is on the horizon for the Vandals. Idaho will host Portland State 7 p.m. Saturday in Memorial Gym.
Zack Ozuna can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @OzunaZack21