The University of Idaho volleyball team hit the road this week to take on the Utah Tech Trailblazers in St. George, Utah. Following a difficult matchup against Northern Arizona last week, the Vandals entered the game with a 2-6 conference record, looking to rebound against a Utah Tech team that had gone 9-0 in conference play and 16-3 overall. The Trailblazers continued their winning streak against Idaho, earning a sweep in three sets.
The first set opened competitively, with Utah Tech scoring three consecutive points. However, Idaho responded and kept the score close as both teams battled for the lead. Halfway through the set, the Vandals used 10 kills to build a 17-13 advantage, giving themselves an opportunity to close out the set. Utah Tech responded with several kills, while Idaho struggled with unforced errors. The Trailblazers eventually pulled ahead, taking the first set 25-22 in a closely contested matchup. Despite the loss, Idaho recorded 15 kills, matching Utah Tech’s offensive production in the opening set.
Idaho carried its offensive momentum into the second set, recording another 15 kills. However, the Vandals struggled to overcome Utah Tech’s blocking and fell behind early. The Trailblazers maintained control throughout the set, using their attack to keep Idaho from closing the gap. Utah Tech’s senior outside hitter helped lead the offense before a service ace secured a 25-17 set victory and gave the Trailblazers a two-set advantage.
Utah Tech carried that momentum into the third set, taking control as Idaho struggled to regain its footing. The Vandals had difficulty maintaining consistency, and their errors continued to accumulate. Idaho committed nine errors in the final set, allowing the Trailblazers to finish the sweep. The 25-14 final set gave Utah Tech the straight-set victory and handed Idaho another conference loss.
Errors remained a significant issue for the Vandals throughout the match. Idaho finished with 25 errors compared with just six for Utah Tech, a difference that made it difficult for the Vandals to capitalize on their offensive production. Although Idaho kept pace in several statistical categories, the Trailblazers limited their mistakes and took advantage of Idaho’s struggles to secure the win.
Despite the loss, Idaho found success in several areas. Sophomore setter Csenge Krakoczki led the Vandals with 32 assists, finishing with twice as many as Utah Tech setter Marley Roe, who recorded 16. Idaho also outperformed the Trailblazers defensively in the back row, recording 41 digs to Utah Tech’s 31. Both teams finished with 39 kills, showing that Idaho could match the Trailblazers offensively.
However, the Vandals struggled to produce points from the service line and at the net. Idaho finished without a service ace, while Utah Tech recorded seven. The Trailblazers also finished with eight blocks, giving them an advantage in a category where Idaho struggled to find answers.
Graduate student Anika Hudson led Idaho at the net with 11 kills, followed by junior Allie Ferrin with 10. Ferrin recorded half of her kills in the second set, helping the Vandals remain competitive offensively despite falling behind. Although Idaho finished with more digs as a team, libero Kiera Kleidon recorded 12, her lowest total across the team’s previous five games.
Idaho also played without sophomore outside hitter Kiana Greer, who has been a consistent contributor in passing, hitting and serving throughout the season. Her absence presented another challenge for the Vandals as they attempted to keep pace with Utah Tech.
The Trailblazers were led offensively by Kennedi Knudsen, who recorded eight kills. Nana Asiata and Tessa Treanor each added seven kills, while Treanor contributed four of Utah Tech’s seven service aces. Defensively, Mya Laufiso finished with 14 digs, and Reese Sydney led the team with three blocks.
The victory extended Utah Tech’s winning streak and kept the Trailblazers undefeated in conference play at 9-0. Their ability to remain composed and capitalize on Idaho’s errors helped them maintain control, even as the Vandals kept pace in kills and digs. For Idaho, the match highlighted the importance of limiting errors and finding more opportunities to score at the service line and at the net.
The Vandals will return to Memorial Gym to host the Southern Utah Thunderbirds on Saturday, Oct. 24, looking to regroup and get back on track in conference play.