RECAP | SUU Volleyball Fights to the End in 3-2 Victory Over Idaho State 

POCATELLO, Idaho -- The Thunderbirds picked up a Big Sky Conference win on Saturday evening as they outlasted the Bengals of Idaho State in a five set match. SUU is now 12-12 overall and 5-7 in Big Sky play. 

"We had to get production from different people in different times," said head coach Pete Hoyer. "Our libero, Sarah Gasper, played out of her mind and she really carried us throughout the whole match. She provided stability when we had a lot of players who were fluctuating. But, all things aside, a win is what we needed and we are happy to be coming home with one." 

The first set started with the Thunderbirds in the lead until the score knotted at the 15-15 mark. From there the Bengals took the reigns, pushing their lead to five at 22-17. SUU brought things within two at 22-20 where the Thunderbirds called a timeout. The Bengals came out of the break to claim the set 25-21. 

SUU crossed the 10 point mark first as they led ISU by three. The Bengals went on a 4-1 run to catch the Thunderbirds at 11-11. ISU pushed ahead of SUU but the Thunderbirds caught them at 17-17. This time the T-Birds pushed ahead of the Bengals, putting the score to 19-17. The again at 19-19, 21-21 and 23-23. The Thunderbirds closed out the set with a 26-24 win. 

The Thunderbirds opened the third set by pulling ahead of the Bengals with a six point lead at 15-9. SUU continued to hold their ground all the way to the end of the set, where they took the third set 25-19. 

The Bengals began the fourth set by leading T-Birds by six at 8-2. ISU only lengthened their lead as play continued. The Thunderbirds fell in the fourth by 12 at 25-13. 

SUU picked up an early lead in the fifth set at 8-5. After switching sides of the net, the Thunderbirds upped their lead to five at 10-5. The Bengals came back within on at 13-12. The Thunderbirds finished the match a top at 15-12, earning a 3-2 match victory.  

Next Up 

The Thunderbirds will return home on Thursday, November 7, to face the Vikings of Portland State University. The match will take place inside the America First Event Center at 6:30 p.m. 

Thursday's match will be SUU's "Salute to Service" match. 

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