POCATELLO, Idaho - The Thunderbirds continued their Big Sky Conference season in Pocatello on Thursday night, as they fell to the Idaho State Bengals 3-1 in four tightly contested sets.

Southern Utah started the match well, as they came out the gates hot taking an early 11-2 lead over ISU. The Thunderbirds were able to avoid a big rally from the Bengals, and held on to win the opening set 25-18.

From there, the tides of the match turned. Despite being able to keep it close, the Thunderbirds fell in a tight second set 25-20, tying up the match headed into the break.

The third set went similarly to the second, as the Thunderbirds were able to hang in it all the way, but still eventually fell 25-20.

The Bengals opened the fourth and final set with a 5-0 run, but the Thunderbirds never let the set get out of hand. Trailing 22-13, the T-Birds went on a 5-1 run to close the gap, but the Bengals were eventually able to pull away, taking it 25-19.

Chennin Benson led the charge offensively for the Thunderbirds, tallying 18 before the conclusion of the match. Freshman setter Alexis Averett put up 34 assists on the evening.

With the loss the T-Birds move to 4-21 on the season, with a 2-11 mark in Big Sky Conference play.

For the Bengals Close Hirst finished the match with 21 kills to lead all players. Hayley Farrer handed out 49 assists.

The Bengals improved to 14-12 on Thursday night, with a 9-4 mark in the Big Sky.

SUU will continue their road trip on Saturday, as they are set to take on Weber State at 7 p.m. in Ogden.