Women’s volleyball picked up their first Pac-12 win in front of 2,290 fans, the largest crowd for a volleyball match in the state of Idaho.
Between a season-opening move from Bronco Gymnasium to ExtraMile Arena and nine new members to the 13-player roster, the Broncos have built a mix of explosive offense, firm defense and career-high achievements.
Boise State (9-5) secured the 3-1 win against Gonzaga (5-8) in ExtraMile Arena, with two Broncos posting double-doubles: Sydney Dreves with 14 kills and 22 digs, and Azlynn Tittmann with 10 kills and 15 digs.
“They continue to grow,” Head Coach Shawn Garus said about the team. “Whether it equals a win or a loss, I see the development. I see the work ethic in practice and I’m seeing it one through 14 on the roster.”
Boise State’s determination had built through the preseason, culminating in a comeback victory at Idaho State after an early season loss in ExtraMile Arena.
Coming into the conference, Boise State leads the Pac-12 with eight sweeps, five taking place in Extramile Arena, and a 5-2 preseason home record.
Gonzaga stumbled out of the gate, and the Broncos’ middle line took advantage, building a confident 3-0 lead early in the first set.
As the Bulldogs pushed back, middle blocker Kendall Hastings led two back-to-back denials alongside outside hitters Giselle Paedon and Amelia Hansen, pausing the score at 13-9.
After a confident Boise State hold at 19-13, the Broncos began to slip under Gonzaga’s pressure led by the Bulldog’s centerpiece Claire Wagstaff, who totaled nearly half of her team’s points in the set scoring nine kills and 18 total attacks.
A kill by Wagstaff sparked a four-point spree, including a service ace that stretched Gonzaga ahead, 23-24.
However after a quick exchange, a final Wagstaff kill sealed a 26-24 loss for the Broncos.
“Gonzaga did a nice job of picking up the service pressure and we looked a little bit tight,” Garus said. “That happens with a young team, but I think they really gathered themselves and played well the rest of the night.”
Hastings opened set two with a kill and assist from Tehya Maeva. Boise State’s offense quickly took over, creating a set-high eight-point lead at 21-13 as the Broncos refused to have a repeat of the last match.
A final denial at the net from Dreves silenced Wagstaff and closed out the set, 25-18.
Coach Garus highlighted Dreves’ impact.
“Tonight I think she did a great job of not just pouring into her teammates but also delivering for her teammates,” Garus said. “She made the big block, she made the big kill. She played a really smart game tonight and I think what she does helps our team loosen up.”
Set three was a slugfest, tied 9-9 before Coeur d’Alene native Dreves powered a kill through Gonzaga’s defense, sparking a three-point run that included the Broncos’ first ace of the night from Tehya Maeva and a 12-9 lead.
The Broncos continued their momentum with another set-winning block by Tittmann and Hastings, closing the set, 25-21.
“We came in saying we need to have a better mentality and we need to come in with more grit and work for what we want,” Janelle Legates said. “We did that.”
Gonzaga came in hot in set four, pulling ahead 4-1 before Boise State found stability at 9-9. Gonzaga Prep alum Hastings struck with a solo block to push the Broncos ahead, 13-10.
Boise State remained dominant at the net with five kills from Reese Weinert and three apiece for Dreves and Paedon.
The Broncos carved out five points of breathing room as Weinert fired two back-to-back kills to clinch the set 25-16 for a 3-1 win.
“Defense has been a big focus of ours,” Weinert said. “I feel very confident in our offense and I felt like we executed tonight really well and I think defense we could step it up a ton. Once we get that going, it’s limitless what we can do.”
Boise State posted a season-high 14 blocks to Gonzaga’s five. Hastings’ career-high of 10 made her the first Bronco this season to reach double-digit blocks.
“We did what we needed to tonight,” Garus said. “We’ve got two big matches next week, two quality teams that we’re going to have to play really well to beat. But, I look forward to the fans getting out to support us and to keep the wins going.”
Boise State will host San Diego State on Oct. 1 and Texas State on Oct. 3 in the Bronco Gymnasium.
