The Idaho Vandals volleyball team was in need of a bounce back from a tough week against the two top teams in the Big Sky and went down to Sacramento, California for some more competition. The Vandals played Sacramento State University and had a rough time against the Hornets falling 3-0. 

The first set of the match started out strong with both teams keeping a level playing field. Idaho Vandals followed close and were only down 11-9. The Hornets went on a streak and took the lead 17-11.  

Both teams had a high hit percentage with Idaho having a 0.208 and Sacramento State having a very high 0.536. Although both teams scored well, the Hornets kept the momentum going and took the opening set 25-18. 

In the second set, the Vandals responded to the Hornets’ momentum and had a 10-9 lead in the middle of the set. Idaho then struggled with five attack errors, and Sacramento State came back with a 0.414 hitting percentage with a commanding lead of 18-13. The Hornets took this set 25-18. 

Going into set three, the Vandals had to have a response to Sacramento State’s very impressive hitting percentage. Idaho started with an early 6-5 lead.  

The Hornets then performed with a strong defensive performance, and the Vandals struggled with just a 0.031 hitting percentage. The Hornets went on a six-point run and took a 19-9 commanding lead. It was tough for Idaho to rally back, and Sacramento State won the set 25-15 and swept the Vandals 3-0.  

UI outside hitter Cayton White winds up and drills the ball over the net in Idaho’s thrilling match with Northern Arizona | Aubrey Sharp | Argonaut

Despite a low efficiency game, freshman outside hitter Kiana Greer had a strong game with ten kills and nine digs, which was key to this tough matchup. Redshirt junior outside hitter Cayton White also had a strong performance with nine kills. However, the standout player for the Vandals, from Balatonfured, Hungary, Csenge Krakoczki, had helped a lot offensively with 15 assists which helped the Vandals put their offense together.  

The Vandals will head to Portland next and play Portland State University. The Vikings come into the contest with a 8-11 record 4-4 in Big Sky play.  

The Vikings have had some strong performances so far in conference play, taking down strong opponents in Idaho State and Montana State. The game will begin on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 2 p.m. with the Vandals hoping to get back in the win column.  

Timmon Friel can be reached at [email protected]