Tigers Fall to Idaho State in Denver Invitational

Friday, September 5

Denver, Colo.

5:00 p.m.

University of Memphis

3-2,0-0American

Idaho State

2-3,0-0Big Sky

Memphis

Idaho St.

Sep 05, 2025 | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

DENVER –.  Memphis (3-2) fell to Idaho State (2-3) in straight sets on Friday night in Hamilton Gymnasium.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Idaho State took control early in the opening frame, using a 6-point run to create separation in the early stages of the set, eventually claiming the set, 25-18. Ava Brickner paced the Bengals with three kills, while Nora Waddoups anchored the back row with eight digs.

Memphis came out strong in the second set, jumping to an early 5-4 lead behind kills from Brianna Washington, Gẻnesis Rodrỉguez and Janyah Henderson. The Bengals responded with a steady offensive push, as Brickner and Marci Bell combined for multiple kills to swing the momentum. Idaho State used a late 6-2 run, capped by a Brickner kill, to close the set 25-19.

After a close match to begin the third set, a 7-0 run by Idaho State gave the Bengals a 13-6 lead. Memphis would battle it out with several kills from Washington and Henderson while Amanda Hardt added seven digs defensively. Despite the push, Idaho State held off the Tigers for a 25-20 set win to secure the sweep. 

NOTABLES

For the first time this season, Memphis failed to have a player reach double digits in kills or points.

In the loss, Memphis recorded as many kills (31) as Idaho State did during the match, but the Bengals had a steep advantage with eight service aces compared to Memphis' two.

Eight different Tigers recorded a kill in the match.

Memphis recorded its lowest team-assist total (31) this season, as Maddy Bach and Sydney Marshall registered 15 and 11 assists, respectively.

Brianna Washington and Janyah Henderson led the offense with seven kills each.

Washington tied her career high in kills and points with seven kills and 7.5 points.

Amanda Hardt set a career high in digs with ten.

For the first time this season, Hardt did not lead Memphis in kills, only recording six during the match.

Gẻnesis Rodrỉguez matched her season high with two kills.

UP NEXT
Memphis concludes play in the Denver Invitational tomorrow at 11 a.m. MT / 12 p.m. CT against Texas Southern, with a broadcast on Midco Sports Plus Network.

HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Volleyball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.