Idaho State ended Portland State’s seven-match winning streak with a five-set victory in Portland, overcoming a late Vikings surge to take the deciding set. PSU’s switch to a 6-2 offense helped force a fifth set, but the Bengals’ stronger hitting and serving—and Portland State’s limited blocking—proved decisive.

By the Numbers
  • Final score: Idaho State 3, Portland State 2 (22-25, 25-22, 25-15, 20-25, 15-10).
  • Portland State’s record is 13-13 overall and 9-6 in Big Sky play; Idaho State is 18-9 and 10-5.
  • Idaho State hit .275 to Portland State’s .222; the Vikings finished with 3.0 blocks.
  • Alivia Eikenberg had 14 kills and 10 digs; Ashley Repetti added 13 kills and a career-high 20 digs.
  • Ava Blascziek recorded 38 assists and 13 digs, reaching 2,000 career assists in the second set.
Yes, But

Portland State out-killed Idaho State 65-62 and rallied to win the fourth set, but couldn’t carry that momentum into the fifth after falling behind 4-0. The Vikings’ 6-2 formation showed promise, while their lack of net defense gave the Bengals room to attack.

What’s Next

Portland State hosts Weber State on Saturday at 5 p.m., in the team’s final home match for seniors Asya Akbulut, Ava Blascziek, Jordyn Romano and Paige Stepaniuk. The Vikings will look to respond quickly, as they did after their previous loss, with a different opponent and a chance to close the home schedule on a high note.

Bottom Line

The streak is over, but Portland State showed it can adjust mid-match. Whether the 6-2 becomes a bigger part of the offense—and whether the Vikings can restore their presence at the net—will be key against Weber State.