The University of Idaho volleyball team defeated Southern Utah University in four sets Oct. 24, earning a second win over the Thunderbirds during Homecoming weekend. Southern Utah entered the match with an 0-8 Big Sky Conference record, while Idaho began the game at 2-7 in conference play.
Looking to build momentum at home, the Vandals delivered a strong performance through the first two sets before Southern Utah responded in the third. Idaho regrouped in the fourth to secure the victory and improve to 12-10 overall.
Idaho opened the match with an efficient offensive performance, recording 13 kills and a .391 hitting percentage in the first set. The Vandals established an early advantage with a six-point run that put them ahead 13-6. They maintained control for the remainder of the set, winning 25-16.
The second set followed a similar pattern. Idaho built an early lead and put together an eight-point run to create separation. Southern Utah attempted to close the gap but remained at least four points behind for much of the set.
Kills from Anika Hudson and Kiana Greer helped Idaho finish the second set 25-17, putting the Vandals one set away from the match victory.
Southern Utah responded in the third set, finding more consistency and taking control of the game. Idaho recorded nine kills and committed six errors, while the Thunderbirds finished with 10 kills and five errors.
The Vandals struggled to regain their earlier offensive rhythm as Southern Utah maintained its lead. The Thunderbirds eventually took the set 25-22, forcing a fourth set and keeping the match alive.
Idaho entered the fourth set looking to close out the match. The Vandals limited their errors to two and played with greater efficiency, regaining control after Southern Utah’s third-set win.
Greer helped lead the way offensively as Idaho pulled away to secure a 25-17 victory in the fourth set. The win gave the Vandals their third conference victory of the season and capped a successful Homecoming weekend for Idaho athletics.
Greer led the Vandals with 18 kills, two service aces and three blocks. Her return to the lineup provided a significant boost after she was absent from Idaho’s match against Utah Tech earlier in the week.
Hudson contributed five kills and a team-high seven blocks, helping strengthen Idaho’s defense at the net. Sarah Sullivan and Allie Ferrin also recorded five kills apiece, with each adding three blocks.
On the defensive end, libero Kiera Kleidon led Idaho with 15 digs. Setter Csenge Krakoczki added nine digs and recorded 25 assists, helping the Vandals distribute the ball throughout the match.
Idaho’s ability to limit errors proved important in closing out the victory. After struggling with mistakes in the previous match against Utah Tech, the Vandals showed improved consistency, particularly in the fourth set.
Southern Utah also received a strong performance from junior Audrey Atwood, who finished with 12 kills, four blocks and 10 digs. Setter Uruena Jensen added 15 assists and eight digs for the Thunderbirds.
Despite Southern Utah’s third-set response, Idaho maintained its composure and finished the match with a decisive fourth-set performance. The victory provided the Vandals with momentum as they prepared to return to conference play on the road.
Idaho will travel to Flagstaff, Arizona, next week to face Northern Arizona University and Portland State University. The Vandals will look to respond against Northern Arizona after losing to the Lumberjacks in Moscow two weeks earlier before taking on Portland State, whom Idaho recently defeated.