After being down to a set point 24-23 in the third set, the Vandal volleyball team rattled off two points to force their own set point.
A point here would have meant the Vandals’ first conference win since 2022, but the spike was blocked by the Eagles to tie the set 25-25. Despite this, the next point was easily won by the Vandals to force another set point at 26-25. An Idaho serve started this point and every attack was defended before freshman setter Csenge Krakoczki set up the spike for freshman outside hitter Kiana Greer, which the Eagles were unable to defend. Idaho hit the ball to the stands as the Vandals won 3-0 to grab their first conference win in two years.
Starting the season 3-11 and 0-2 in conference play, the Vandals were set to play against the Eastern Washington Eagles, who found themselves in a similar spot to the Vandals. Eastern Washington had started the season 2-12, also being 0-2 in conference play to start the year, making this match important for both teams as a win here would be their first in conference play.
The first set started with the Vandals on fire, surging to a 10-6 lead with four kills coming from freshman outside hitter Cayton White. Idaho continued this run, extending the lead to 19-10, and as big as 22-12. Despite a late run from the Eagles, the Vandal lead was far too strong to come back from as the Vandals sealed the set winning 25-20. Greer led the Vandals in kills for the first set with six, and White also had five kills and two aces for the set.
The second set was close through the first stretch, being tied 8-8. Idaho pulled away for a four-point lead getting a 14-10 lead. Eastern Washington rallied back into the set only for a brief moment, as Idaho maintained a steady lead over the course of the set before taking it 25-21. Junior outside hitter Sarah Sullivan led the Vandals in kills in this set with five.
After two sets of control for Idaho, the third set started differently as the Eagles grabbed a four-point 10-6 lead to start the set. This lead was the largest that the Eagles held all set as the Vandals tied up the set off a 4-0 run. The Eagles broke off another quick three-point lead, but it was short lived as the Vandals battled throughout the set. Despite the Eagles forcing set point at 24-23, Idaho got two consecutive points. Although the Vandals couldn’t win on the first set point, the second set point was the dagger, as the Vandals won the set 27-25 to win the match in straight sets.
This match was another double-double for Greer as she grabbed 14 kills and 10 digs. White also got a double-double as well, with 10 kills and 13 digs. Sophomore libero Kyriah Trefen led the team in digs with 20 and Krakoczki led the team in assists with 19.
The Vandals’ next match will be on the road against Idaho State on Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. It will be available to stream on ESPN+.
Bart Jacquinet can be reached at [email protected].