Vandal volleyball kicked off homecoming weekend by defending their home court in the Memorial Gym against the Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks.
Idaho held down the Lumberjacks throughout Thursday night, gaining revenge after a Big Sky Conference title loss last year.
The Vandals controlled the match inside Memorial Gym beating the Lumberjacks in four sets.
The Vandals were led offensively by freshman setter Hailey Pelton and freshman middle blocker Kyra Palmbush.
Idaho Head coach Debbie Buchanan said after the match that her young team is making moves towards the top.
“We have always said that it doesn’t matter if you are a freshman or a senior, it is whoever comes out here and competes,” Buchanan said. “When you watch our team right now you don’t really see a difference.”
The freshmen duo of Palmbush and Pelton ensured Vandal fans that these first year athletes can bring it and that this young team is here to play.
“Our connection was just so awesome,” Palmbush said. “Her (Pelton) sets were just on point and it was just perfect and came together.”
That connection left Palmbush with 19 points and 17 kills, impressively making only two errors for her 31 attempts. Pelton finished the game with 42 assists and four blocks.
Senior defensive specialist Delaney Hopen led the team in digs wearing the libero jersey. She racked up 29 digs total.
Defensively Idaho struggled early in the match. Buchanan spoke about the Lumberjacks offense and how they worked free areas of the court.
“In the first set they didn’t hit it extremely hard but they were working parts of the court where we weren’t,” Buchanan said.
The strong offense took the Vandals by surprise with the Lumberjacks winning the first set 22-25.
Idaho started to gain momentum in the second taking the set 25-18. Both teams went on strong runs scoring consistently but Idaho pulled ahead during the middle of the set. Palmbush hit consistently on quick sets to keep Idaho scoring.
The momentum continued through the third set. The Lumberjacks blocking game was very strong but Idaho consistently was able to hit around the block or attack a free net through good set work. Idaho won the third set 25-21.
The Vandals continued making adjustments that paid off during the fourth set. Idaho went on a 13-1 run to start out the set, completely shutting down the Lumberjacks lead scorer and playing a tough offensive game. Pelton continued her smart play and racked up her blocks. The Lumberjacks started on a bit of a run during the middle of the set but Idaho held them off comfortable finishing the game 25-14.
Idaho defends their home court once again Friday Oct. 18th at 5 p.m. in the Memorial Gym.
Connor Swersey can be reached at arg-sports@uidaho.edu