The University of Idaho volleyball team earned its second conference win with a four-set victory over the University of Portland at Memorial Gym. The Vandals came out energized in front of their home crowd, ready to take on the Pilots in a match that featured momentum swings, strong defensive play and a late comeback.
In the first set, Idaho jumped out to a 5-1 lead behind kills from Sophie Danielson and Alaina Armstrong and a service ace from Keira Kleidon. The Vandals maintained their advantage through most of the set, playing cohesively on both sides of the net. However, Portland mounted a late comeback with a four-point run to take a 21-20 lead. The teams traded points down the stretch before Portland secured the set, 26-24.
Despite dropping the opening set, Idaho maintained its energy and quickly built an 8-4 lead in the second. The Vandals controlled the remainder of the set, recording four of their 11 total blocks on the night and challenging Portland at the net. The Pilots struggled with errors, committing 10 in the set, their highest total of the match. Idaho finished with 14 kills in the set, closing it out 25-15 as the Vandals’ offense and defense kept Portland from finding a rhythm.
The third set followed a similar pattern, with Idaho taking an early lead and working to maintain it. Portland stayed more competitive than it had in the second set, putting together five separate three-point runs and nearly drawing even at 21-20. The Pilots ultimately pulled away to win the set 25-21, putting Idaho in a difficult position heading into the fourth.
Down two sets to one, Idaho faced an early deficit in the fourth as Portland built an 18-12 advantage. The Vandals responded with a determined comeback, stringing together a five-point run before trading a point on an attack error and adding another four points. Idaho’s rally featured five kills and a service ace, while three Portland errors helped shift the momentum. The Vandals reclaimed the lead at 21-19 and regained control of the set.
Idaho closed out the final two points with a kill from Kiana Greer and a service ace on Greer’s topspin serve, securing the set and the match for its second conference win. The Vandals celebrated with their teammates as the home crowd cheered their first home-game victory of the season.
Idaho’s front-row attackers combined for 55 kills, led by Greer’s 14. Armstrong added 13 kills, while Sarah Sullivan finished with 12. At the net, Koen Makaula led the defensive effort with six blocks, followed by Sullivan with five and Danielson with three.
In the back row, Kleidon recorded 23 digs, her highest total of the conference season, helping anchor Idaho’s defense. Sophomore setter Csenge Krakoczki recorded 29 assists, while freshman setter Zola Zuccolo added 20 as the Vandals spread the offensive workload.
The crowd also featured athletes from several other University of Idaho teams, including men’s and women’s basketball, soccer and track and field, demonstrating support across the Vandal athletic community.
Throughout the match, both teams brought energy and enthusiasm to the court. Players could be seen smiling and participating in dance battles along the sidelines during media breaks, sharing their excitement for the game with the crowd. For Idaho, the win reflected not only its physical effort but also its resilience in responding to adversity and finding a way to close out the match.
The Vandals remain at home in Moscow this week and are scheduled to face Utah Tech on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Memorial Gym.