The Idaho Vandals’ volleyball team suffered another difficult loss Nov. 12 against the University of Montana Grizzlies, falling in a short three-set match. Montana moved ahead of the Vandals in the Big Sky Conference standings after the two teams entered the match tied at 3-11.
Idaho has now suffered five consecutive losses, with the Big Sky Conference tournament approaching Nov. 23-25 at Northern Arizona University. Montana, which previously defeated Idaho in early October, snapped its three-game losing streak with the victory as both teams continued working through the final games of the regular season.
The first set started promisingly for both teams, with the Vandals taking an early 10-7 lead. Their energy remained steady through the opening points as Montana picked up its game to match Idaho with a four-point run. The teams continued matching each other’s pace through the rest of the set.
The teams were tied at 18-18 before the Grizzlies took the lead and closed the set 25-21 with Annika Wright’s two consecutive service aces against the Vandals.
The second set was where the Grizzlies truly stood out against Idaho. The Vandals struggled early as Montana took control and surged ahead 7-1. That opening stretch set the tone for the remainder of the set, with Montana capitalizing on its momentum after winning the first.
The Grizzlies recorded six service aces against Idaho and put together two lengthy scoring runs, one of six points and another of five. The Vandals attempted a comeback later in the set, beginning to regain their footing on the court, but it was too late to overcome the early deficit. Montana comfortably closed the set 25-14.
The third set opened similarly to the second, as Montana took a 6-0 lead. The Vandals picked up the pace, putting together two four-point runs to tie the score at 8-8 and get themselves back into the game.
Idaho stayed competitive throughout the remainder of the set, continuing to trail Montana but keeping the deficit much smaller. The teams eventually reached 13 kills apiece as the Vandals continued battling.
Montana ultimately closed the set 25-21, earning its second win against Idaho this season and an important victory heading into the conference tournament.
The Vandals still had several strong individual performances, notably from frequent team leader Kiana Greer, who led the match with 10 kills, followed by Montana’s Delaney Russell with eight.
Idaho also recorded six more blocks than the Grizzlies, with Gabi Smith contributing four and Anika Hudson adding three. Montana setter Gracie Cagle put together a strong performance with 20 assists, eight more than Idaho’s Csenge Krakoczki.
At libero, Idaho outperformed Montana in digs, recording 17 compared to the Grizzlies’ 11. However, Montana’s serving proved difficult for the Vandals to handle. The Grizzlies recorded 16 total service aces, the highest mark in the conference this season.
Montana’s Gracie Cagle recorded six service aces, leading the match, while teammate Annika Wright added three.
Despite the loss, the Vandals did a notably good job of keeping their errors low, a frequent downfall in previous games. Idaho recorded just 15 total errors, averaging five per set. That cut its errors in half compared to its most recent game against Eastern Washington University, when the Vandals recorded 30 against the Eagles.
The Vandals have three regular-season games remaining against Montana State, Weber State and Idaho State. Idaho will face teams it has previously lost to, all of which are ranked higher in the conference standings.
Still, the Vandals have an opportunity to regain momentum as they prepare for their final regular-season matchups and the upcoming Big Sky Conference tournament.