The University of Idaho volleyball team played its eighth conference game of the season Oct. 17 against Northern Arizona University. The game featured Spike Out Cancer, a fundraiser supporting the American Cancer Society and breast cancer awareness. The Vandal dance team, volleyball players and fans sported pink clothing and accessories throughout the night. The event also offered free pink streamer pom-poms for fans to cheer with in honor of the occasion.
Entering the game ranked ninth in the conference, the Vandals took on the No. 3-seeded Lumberjacks. Idaho won the first set before dropping the following three, falling to Northern Arizona in four sets. Despite the loss, Idaho competed hard on its home court in a high-intensity matchup. Several players delivered strong performances, including outside hitter Kiana Greer, setter Csenge Krakoczki and libero Kiera Kleidon.
The Vandals entered the matchup following a recent win Oct. 15 against Portland State University and carried that momentum onto the court. Idaho quickly took the lead and held it throughout the first set. Outside hitter Alaina Armstrong led the Vandal offense early, recording five kills by the end of the set. Northern Arizona attempted to close the gap midway through the set with a five-point run, but Idaho responded and closed out the opening set 25-19.
The second set started promisingly for the Vandals, who rushed to an early lead behind three consecutive kills from Greer. However, the Lumberjacks stayed close, found their footing and flipped the score to 14-12. Both teams exchanged points, with three lead changes occurring midway through the set. With Idaho leading 21-20, the Vandals struggled to maintain their advantage. Northern Arizona capitalized with a five-point run to take the second set and even the match.
Set three featured another strong start for Idaho, with the score quickly reaching 11-5 before the Lumberjacks picked up the pace and tied it at 12-12. Northern Arizona briefly maintained the lead before taking control of the set. The Lumberjacks capitalized on several Vandal errors and added strong attacks from their front line to score eight consecutive points. Northern Arizona pulled away and closed out the set 25-16, taking a 2-1 lead in the match.
Despite the difficult third set, the Vandals entered the fourth with renewed energy. The Lumberjacks looked to maintain their momentum from the previous two sets, keeping the score close early. Idaho remained competitive, showing resilience as the teams battled through nine lead changes. With the Vandals leading 23-20 late in the set, the match appeared headed toward a fifth set. However, Northern Arizona responded with a five-point run to close out the match and secure the victory.
The win brought Northern Arizona level with Idaho State University at a 6-2 conference record, while the Vandals fell to 2-7 in conference play and 10th place in the standings. Despite the loss, Idaho had several strong individual performances. Sarah Sullivan contributed offensively, recording four of her six kills in the fourth set. For Northern Arizona, Hanah Stoddard recorded seven kills in the final set.
Greer led the Vandals with 15 kills, followed by Armstrong with 10. Sophomore setter Krakoczki recorded 36 assists, while Kleidon contributed 20 digs. The performances helped Idaho remain competitive against one of the conference’s top teams despite the final result.
For Northern Arizona, Stoddard and Quincey Coyle combined for 31 kills. Gigi Greenley also made an impact defensively at the net, finishing with five blocks.
Next, the Vandals travel to St. George, Utah, to face Utah Tech, the top team in the Big Sky Conference standings with an 8-0 conference record.