After a five-set thriller win over the Tennessee State University Tigers, the Idaho Vandals volleyball team looked to grab another win over the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Mocs at the Fort Hays State University Tiger Invitational. The Mocs came into the game 4-6 after losing their opening game of the Tiger Invitational to Indiana State University in five sets. Despite a double-double from freshman star Kiana Greer, the Vandals were unable to get the victory over the Mocs, losing 3-1.
The first set began with an Idaho 10-6 lead, with Cayton White getting three kills in that stretch. This lead was held for the majority of the set. However, after three consecutive errors, the Mocs got their first lead of the set since the 5-4 mark, getting a 19-18 lead over the Vandals. This was the start of a Mocs’ 9-2 run to win the first set 25-20. White led the Vandals in scoring this set with six kills.
The second set started tight with the Vandals tied to the Mocs 6-6 at the start of the set. The Mocs had other plans however as they went on a massive 12-1 run to take a dominant 18-7 lead. After this massive run, multiple Chattanooga errors helped Idaho close the gap but it was far from enough as the Mocs closed out the set 25-17. The Vandals only managed to get six kills all set three from Greer and Sarah Sullivan each. Sullivan also was able to get an ace in this set as well.
Looking to avoid a sweep, the Vandals started the third set close at 6-6, before the Vandals were able to take a comfortable 12-7 lead after a 6-1 run. Idaho was able to maintain this lead despite multiple Chattanooga rallies. The Vandals did not let go of the lead and finished the set by winning 25-21. Greer led the Vandals in scoring with seven kills. Chiara Gennari only trailed her by one kill, ending the set with six of her own.
The Vandals aimed to force a fifth and deciding set, starting the fourth set with a 5-0 lead. Howeve,r the Mocs took the momentum away quickly with a 7-1 run of their own. The Mocs took control of this set, getting a seven-point lead and winning 20-13. Despite a late Idaho rally pulling the score back within two points, the Mocs won the set 25-22 to win the match 3-1.
Despite the loss, Greer was able to grab her sixth double-double of the season. She was the only Vandal to get a double-double in this match. With Big Sky Conference coming up, the Vandals will start conference play against Northern Arizona University on Sept. 25 at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. The match will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Bart Jacquinet can be reached at [email protected].
