The University of Idaho volleyball team continued its road trip Saturday against Northern Colorado, falling to the Bears in four sets. Despite recovering from a difficult opening frame to even the match, the Vandals struggled to maintain their momentum, losing 25-10, 23-25, 25-19 and 25-17.
Northern Colorado entered the matchup with a strong record in Big Sky Conference play, having lost just once in its first six conference matches. The Bears carried that momentum into Saturday’s contest, hitting .404 as a team while limiting Idaho’s offensive production. The defeat moved the Vandals to 10-8 overall and 1-5 in conference play.
The opening set proved challenging for Idaho from the start. Sophomore Kiana Greer committed a service error on the opening point before senior Sarah Sullivan responded with a kill to put the Vandals on the board. Northern Colorado quickly took control, stringing together successful attacks and forcing Idaho onto its heels. The Bears hit .583 in the first set, cruising to a 25-10 victory.
Idaho showed a different level of energy in the second set, opening with three consecutive points and building early momentum. Northern Colorado briefly gained the advantage at 10-7, but the Vandals responded with a strong stretch of serving from Csenge Krakoczki. Her seven-point service run, which included two aces, helped Idaho regain control and create separation on the scoreboard.
The Bears attempted to close the gap late, bringing the score to 18-17, but Idaho held its ground. Graduate student Alaina Armstrong delivered the final two points needed to secure a 25-23 win, evening the match at one set apiece.
The third frame featured a more competitive exchange, with both teams trading points throughout the early and middle portions. Idaho remained within reach as the score reached 18-18, but Northern Colorado closed the set with a decisive run. The Bears pulled away to win 25-19, regaining the match advantage.
The Vandals entered the fourth set looking to force a deciding frame, and the teams remained even through a 13-13 tie. Northern Colorado then found another gear, using a strong serving stretch to build a nine-point lead at 21-13. The Bears maintained their advantage and finished the match with a 25-17 victory on a service ace from Kylie Cackovic.
Idaho finished with 38 kills, its lowest total in a four-set match since recording 44 against the University of Denver in early September. The Vandals hit .173 for the match and struggled to slow the Bears at the net, finishing with three blocks compared to Northern Colorado’s seven.
Sullivan led Idaho offensively with eight kills, while Koen Makaula and Gabi Smith contributed six apiece. Both Makaula and Smith hit .500, providing efficient attacking performances despite the team’s overall offensive struggles. Krakoczki finished with 21 assists, helping distribute the ball across the Vandal lineup.
Defensively, Keira Kleidon paced Idaho with 14 digs. Greer, Makaula and Smith each recorded a block as the Vandals worked to contain Northern Colorado’s attack.
The Bears were led by Alayna Tessena, who recorded 19 kills, while Cackovic added 12. Northern Colorado’s offensive efficiency proved difficult for Idaho to overcome, particularly during the first set and the closing stretches of the final two frames.
Although the Vandals managed to even the match with their second-set victory, they were unable to sustain that level of play for the remainder of the contest. The loss extends the importance of Idaho’s upcoming home matches as the team looks to improve its position in conference standings.
Idaho will return to Moscow to continue Big Sky Conference play against Portland State on Thursday, Oct. 15, at Memorial Gym. The Vikings enter the matchup with a 2-3 conference record. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. Pacific time.