The University of Idaho volleyball team traveled to Flagstaff, Arizona, to face Northern Arizona University after falling to the Lumberjacks just a few weeks earlier at Memorial Gym in Moscow. The competitive matchup featured several strong performances from the Vandals, who nearly matched NAU in most statistical categories.
Idaho trailed by fewer than five in nearly every category, except service aces, where the Vandals recorded two more than the Lumberjacks.
Since its previous victory over Idaho, Northern Arizona had faced Portland State and Northern Colorado, falling to both teams. The Lumberjacks entered the matchup against the Vandals looking to return to the win column.
Coming off a recent victory against Southern Utah, Idaho started the match strong, taking an early 13-9 lead in the opening set.
Junior Allie Ferrin and graduate student Alaina Armstrong led the offensive effort, each recording four kills as the Vandals totaled 16 in the first set. The score shifted back and forth through the middle of the set, with both teams competing for control during several extended rallies.
Despite Idaho’s offensive production, however, the Vandals dropped the opening set 25-21. Eleven attacking errors compared to Northern Arizona’s three proved costly for Idaho.
The Vandals fell behind early in the second set, trailing 9-3 as the Lumberjacks created separation on the scoreboard. Idaho responded with determination, gradually erasing the deficit and eventually tying the score at 17-17.
The Vandals then took the lead before both teams traded points throughout the remainder of the set. The score eventually reached 23-23, putting Idaho within reach of forcing another set.
However, two consecutive kills by the Lumberjacks ended the Vandals’ comeback attempt, giving NAU a 25-23 victory.
The third set saw Idaho struggle to regain its momentum after dropping the first two sets. Northern Arizona capitalized on the Vandals’ offensive struggles, building a commanding 21-11 lead as Idaho recorded just six kills in the set.
The Lumberjacks also found success from the service line, recording four of their six service aces in the third. Idaho was unable to close the gap, falling 25-16 as Northern Arizona completed the three-set sweep and secured its seventh conference victory.
Similar to its previous matchup against Idaho, Northern Arizona established a strong presence at the net, recording 10 blocks throughout the match. The Lumberjacks disrupted the Vandal offense and limited Idaho’s ability to find open opportunities.
NAU outside hitter Quincey Coyle led the way with 16 kills and three service aces. Outside hitter Hanah Stoddard added six kills, while both players contributed nine digs.
Setters Ella Hosfeld and Mallory Reynolds also played important roles in the Lumberjacks’ offensive production, recording 17 and 14 assists, respectively.
Idaho’s offensive production was led by Armstrong, who finished with nine kills. Ferrin followed with seven as the Vandals totaled just 32 kills for the match.
Without one of its frequent leaders at the net, Kiana Greer, Idaho struggled to maintain its usual offensive production. The team’s 32 kills marked its lowest total since facing Missouri in August.
Despite her absence from the front row, Greer contributed defensively from the back row, helping the Vandals limit Northern Arizona’s scoring opportunities. She tied with Idaho libero Kiera Kleidon for a team-high 11 digs.
Northern Arizona led the match in nearly every statistical category, with Idaho’s defensive effort serving as one of its few advantages. The Vandals recorded 47 digs compared to the Lumberjacks’ 44.
Ultimately, NAU’s ability to capitalize on Idaho’s offensive struggles and maintain momentum throughout the match secured the victory.
The loss dropped Idaho to 3-8 in Big Sky Conference play, keeping the Vandals in eighth place. Northern Arizona improved to fourth in the conference standings with its seventh conference victory.
Idaho will return to the court Saturday, Oct. 31, for another matchup against Portland State. The Vandals enter the contest with confidence after defeating the Vikings 3-1 in Moscow two weeks ago.
Idaho will also return to the Rolle Activity Center in Flagstaff in late November to close out regular-season conference play before entering the Big Sky Conference tournament.