POCATELLO, Idaho. — Eastern (4-7, 0-1) faced off against Idaho State (10-3, 1-0), ultimately falling 3-1 (20-25, 22-25, 25-21, 26-24).
 
Bri Gunderson was a standout for Eastern, racking up 15 kills and hitting an impressive .406, showcasing her offensive prowess. On the defensive front, Tanai Jenkins excelled with 7 blocks, while Jannie Blake delivered a strong performance with 16 digs and 20 assists, marking her fourth double-double of the season.
 
The match kicked off with Idaho State jumping to an early 6-3 lead. Eastern quickly responded, narrowing the gap to one, but the Bangles surged ahead with a 3-0 run, prompting Eastern to call a timeout at 11-7. Despite a spirited effort from Alyssa Radke and Jenkins, who combined for pivotal blocks, Idaho State maintained their momentum, eventually taking the first set 25-20.
 
In the second set, Eastern opened with a 3-1 lead, but Idaho State rallied to take the lead at 7-6. A timely ace from Elle Bruegman briefly gave Eastern the advantage again, but the Bangles countered, forcing Eastern into a timeout after taking an 11-8 lead. Eastern clawed back to tie at 11-11, yet Idaho State managed another 3-0 run, closing out the set 25-22 despite Eastern's valiant effort.
 
The third set marked a turning point. After trailing 5-1, Eastern mounted a significant comeback, going on a 16-6 scoring spree after the mid-set media timeout. Eastern took their first lead at 20-19, refusing to look back and clinching the set 25-21, energizing the crowd and shifting the match dynamics.
 
The fourth set was a nail-biter, with Eastern initially taking a slim lead before Idaho State fought back to tie it up. A key moment came when Kate Hatch delivered a crucial ace, putting Eastern ahead 12-10. However, the Bangles regrouped, retaking the lead and forcing Eastern to call a timeout. As the tension escalated, Eastern tied the set at 24-24 thanks to a massive block by Gunderson. Ultimately Idaho State secured the final set 26-24 and winning the match 3-1.
 
Up Next
Eastern will return to Cheney for their Big Sky Conference home opener against Sacramento State on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 11 a.m.
 
ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Eastern Washington University Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports, six for men and eight for women, both as learning opportunities for its most athletically talented students and as an enhancement to student and community life. Eastern is affiliated with Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Big Sky Conference, an association of 10 regional schools with comparable enrollments and academic goals.

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