POCATELLO, Idaho – The Pacific women's volleyball program is set to close out non-conference play this weekend in the Orange & Black Classic with three matches from Thursday to Saturday at Idaho State's Reed Gym.
The Tigers (4-5) will start the three-game slate on Thursday against the host Bengals (7-2) for the third ever matchup between the two sides. Last season, the Tigers emerged victorious over the Bengals in a five-set thriller at The Ridge Invitational. In that match, sophomore Hannah Koester and junior Alessia Couchond each posted double-doubles while the team tallied 75 digs.
Couchond has been an early catalyst of the Tigers' offense with her team-leading 14 service aces, which ranks just outside the top 100 in the nation and fourth in the WCC. Couchond tallied two aces against New Mexico State on Saturday, marking her fifth match thus far with multiple aces.
Defensively, sophomore libero Bella Gutierrez has led the way with 150 digs, which ranks 48th in the nation and third in the conference. Freshman middle blocker Ellie Prindl is coming off a strong weekend, recording a career-high four blocks against UC San Diego on Sunday to take the team lead in the statistic with 24 and break into the per set top ten in the WCC.
On Friday, the team will take on Boise State (6-4) for the first time since 2021. Despite losing the previous matchup, the Tigers are 2-1 all-time against the Broncos. Hosting the Boise State Invitational this past weekend, the Broncos went 3-0, sweeping Sacramento State, Saint Mary's and Eastern Washington.
To close out non-conference play, Pacific will face the Wyoming Cowgirls (4-4) for just the second time in program history on Saturday. The only matchup between the two programs thus far came in 1986, when the Tigers earned a 3-0 win on the road. Junior outside hitter Nicole Zake continues to serve as a top offensive option, recording a team-high 20 kills over the weekend to bring her season total to 95.
Thursday and Friday's matches will be broadcast on ESPN+, with Thursday's match starting at 6 p.m., Friday's at 2 p.m. and Saturday's at 10 a.m. Fans can also follow the action through social media and live stats.
Tigers Tickets
Tickets for upcoming events can be purchased through the PacificTigers.com tickets tab, or by calling the Box Office at 209-946-2474. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for a group discount and exclusive fan experiences.
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