POCATELLO, Idaho (September 27, 2025) - Marking its 10th sweep of the season, the Northern Arizona women's volleyball team secured a 3-0 win over the Idaho State Bengals on Saturday night (25-20, 25-17, 26-24).
Playing at the ICCU Dome, the Lumberjacks posted a .210 hitting percentage and tallied 49 kills, while holding ISU to a .148 mark and 37 kills. NAU improves to 12-3 overall and 2-0 in Big Sky play, while Idaho State drops to 4-10 and 0-2 in conference.
"I'm really impressed with this group - that they were able to play such a strong match after a challenging travel day yesterday," head coach Ken Murphy said. "It was obvious that we were ready from the start tonight."
The first set began with a close exchange of points, with ISU taking a 14-12 lead. From there, Northern Arizona found its rhythm, going on a 10-2 run that included kills from Gigi Greenlee, Hanah Stoddard, Avery Gottschalk, and Sophia Wadsworth, along with a service ace from Keira Hall to push the score to 22-16. Greenlee and Masina Perez were key at the net, slowing ISU's attack. Despite a brief push by the Bengals, NAU maintained control and closed out the set, 25-20.
NAU jumped out to an early 9-4 lead in set two behind strong serving from Gottschalk and a balanced offense from Greenlee, Kylie Moran, and Stoddard. Setter Ella Hosfeld distributed the ball efficiently, assisting multiple kills across rotations. The 'Jacks dominated at the net, with Greenlee recording three blocks during a mid-set run that extended their lead to 17-9. Wadsworth, assisted by Hall, capped the set with a powerful kill for a 25-17 win. NAU hit .362 in the second set.
The Lumberjacks began set three with a service ace and early kills from Wadsworth and Moran, but ISU responded and built a 17-10 lead, capitalizing on NAU's errors and strong blocking. Down by as many as seven, NAU regrouped. Timely blocks from Gottschalk and Wadsworth, along with consistent attacking from Stoddard and Moran, fueled a late comeback. At 24–24, a kill by Wadsworth gave NAU set point, and Stoddard followed with back-to-back aces to seal the set, 26-24.
"I thought we played very good volleyball for the first two sets," Murphy said. "Strong on defense and a great balance in our offense. In the third set, ISU passed really well and their middles were nearly unstoppable. For our team to come back from that deficit, under those conditions, it really shows a lot about the character and fight in this group."
Stoddard led the 'Jacks with a standout performance: 16 kills, three aces, and 12 digs. She was supported offensively by Wadsworth and Greenlee, who each added nine kills. Greenlee also led the team in blocks with six, while Wadsworth and Gottschalk contributed four apiece. Hall and Hosfeld split setting duties evenly with 20 assists each, helping balance NAU's attack. Defensively, libero Melia Barlow anchored the back row with 14 digs, followed by Moran with nine.
Up next, NAU will continue its road swing, facing Montana State on Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. MST and Montana on Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. MST. Both matches will be available on ESPN+.
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