The Idaho volleyball team began its 2026 campaign with a 2-1 record at the Mizzou Invitational in Columbia, Missouri, leaving the weekend with a memorable comeback, a difficult test against the tournament host and a resounding victory to close out a successful opening weekend.
The Vandals faced three different challenges across the tournament, beginning with Towson on Friday before taking on Missouri and finishing against Western Illinois. While Idaho dropped its match against the host Tigers, the team showed resilience throughout the weekend and ended its first tournament of the season on a high note.
Towson
Idaho’s first match of the season quickly became one to remember. The Vandals fell behind Towson 2-0 after the Tigers controlled the opening two sets. Idaho stayed close during the early stages of the first, with sophomore Kiana Greer and redshirt senior Alaina Armstrong helping keep the score tied at 12. Towson then created separation with a nine-point run and carried that advantage to the opening-set victory. The second set began even worse for Idaho, as Towson jumped ahead 10-0. Senior Sarah Sullivan and Junior Allie Ferrin helped the Vandals battle back, but the early deficit proved too large to overcome. With a loss at the doorstep, Idaho changed the direction of the match in the third set. Senior Koen Makaula opened the scoring for the Vandals, while senior Lucy Ryan and graduate student Anika Hudson helped Idaho defend the net. Towson began giving Idaho opportunities through a few errors, and the Vandals took advantage. Greer and Ferrin helped maintain the pressure as Idaho earned the third-set win and stayed alive. Towson responded with an early advantage in the fourth, leading 9-5 at the first media timeout. The Tigers later pushed the lead to seven, but Idaho gradually worked its way back. After cutting the deficit to 14-9, the comeback continued from there. Greer and Ferrin supplied important points, while underclassmen setters sophomore Csenge Krakoczki and freshman Zola Zuccolo helped keep Idaho’s offense organized. The Vandals eventually pulled even at 17 and fought through a tight finish to send the match to a fifth set. The deciding set remained close until the final points. With the score tied at 11, Greer produced a kill and teamed with Makaula and Hudson for blocks before junior Sophie Danielson delivered the final kill. The victory marked Idaho’s first reverse sweep since the 2021 spring season.
Missouri
The team’s next challenge came against Missouri, giving Idaho a matchup against the SEC program on its home floor. The matchup also carried personal significance for Sarah Sullivan, who took the court against her mother, Missouri head coach Dawn Sullivan. Idaho started the match well, moving ahead 4-2 after kills from Greer and Hudson. The opening set remained competitive, but Missouri gained control after taking a 16-12 lead. Idaho then made a late push, winning four of the final seven points, but Missouri held on. The second set followed a similar pattern. Idaho built a 6-3 lead behind the work of Sullivan and Krakoczki before Missouri pulled even at 14. The Tigers then gained momentum and created a six-point advantage. Idaho fought back and moved within two, but Missouri finished the set and took a 2-0 lead. Missouri controlled the third set and completed the sweep, handing Idaho its first loss of the trip and of the season. Greer once again led the Vandals offensively with eight kills, while Danielson contributed six. Zuccolo recorded another team-high in assists with 15, and Danielson and Makaula each finished with four blocks.
Western Illinois
Idaho had an opportunity to finish the tournament on a positive note against Western Illinois, and the Vandals took full advantage. The opening set was a battle from start to finish. Idaho received early contributions from Ferrin and Sullivan before Greer added a service ace. Western Illinois eventually established a 15-12 lead, but Idaho refused to let the set get away. Greer, Ferrin and Makaula helped bring the Vandals back into the contest, eventually tying the score at 19. Western Illinois moved closer to taking the set, but Idaho answered with a late run to force extra points. The Vandals finally secured the opening frame 28-26. Idaho gained more control in the second set. Sullivan, Makaula and Danielson helped establish an early advantage, while Hudson continued to cause problems for Western Illinois at the net. The Vandals built their lead and took a 2-0 advantage. The third set was the most decisive of the match. Western Illinois took a 3-1 lead, but Idaho responded by scoring six straight points. Krakoczki contributed two aces during the run, while Danielson added a kill. Another major Idaho run later in the set pushed the score to 19-8, putting the match firmly in the Vandals’ hands. Idaho finished the sweep and moved to 2-1 on the season. Greer ended the match with nine kills, while Sullivan, Danielson and Makaula each had seven. Sullivan and Danielson both hit .545, and Krakoczki posted a season-high 19 assists.
The Vandals left Columbia with plenty to build on after a demanding opening weekend. The comeback against Towson showed Idaho’s ability to stay composed under pressure, while the win over Western Illinois provided a strong finish and valuable momentum heading into the rest of the season. With new faces already making an impact alongside returning leaders, Idaho will look to carry that confidence forward as it continues its 2026 campaign.
The Vandals next tournament will take place in Denver, Colorado, from Thursday Sep 3-5.