FARMINGTON, Utah (Nov. 19, 2025) – It all comes down to this week. Only two days of matches remain and the #1 seed and 2026 hosting rights, still up for grabs.
Big Sky Volleyball Weekly Notes (Week 13)
Big Sky Weekly Honors Announced
Offensive Player of the Week: Sophia Wadsworth, Northern Arizona (OH, R-Sr., Scottsdale, Ariz.)
This week, Sophia Wadsworth helped Northern Arizona to complete an undefeated 11-0 slate at home, taking down Weber State in a reverse sweep and a historical victory over Idaho State. For the two matches she had 24 kills combined averaging 2.67 kills per set, while hitting to an effective .383 clip. She was the most efficient hitter in the front row for the ‘Jacks in both matches. During the incredible 86 point second set vs ISU, Wadsworth hit to a .500 percentage. She was a leading force during NAU’s win on Senior Day that secured them at minimum a share of the Big Sky Regular Season title.
Defensive Player of the Week: Reese Ampi, Sacramento State (L, Jr., Redding, Calif.)
Junior libero Reese Ampi had a huge impact on Sacramento State’s 3-1 home victory over Portland State on Friday. It was the Hornets’ lone match of the week. The Redding, Calif., native had a match-high 29 digs, good for a robust 7.25 digs per set. She was part of a Hornet defense that held Portland State to a .153 hitting percentage. Ampi’s 29 digs were her third largest output of the season, and she posted at least five digs in every set. The 29 digs were also 18 more than any other Sacramento State player.
Others Nominated for Big Sky Volleyball Player of the Week
Offense: Isabel Bennett (UNC), Gracie Cagle (UM), Alivia Eikenberg (PSU), Solaita Keonahi'ilani (SAC)
Defense: Alexis Batezel (UM), Kylie Moran (NAU), Bella Le Pore (UNC), Paige Stepaniuk (PSU)
Northern Arizona Clinches Share of Regular Season Title
With a win over Idaho State on Saturday, Northern Arizona has clinched at least a share of the regular season title heading into the final weekend of play.
Saturday's match with Idaho State included a historic second set finishing with a score of 44-42, the longest in the NCAA this season.
The Lumberjacks only have one match left to play, against Northern Colorado on Friday, and control their own destiny. A win on Friday for the Lumberjacks would secure the No. 1 seed and hosting rights for 2026.
A Northern Colorado win and Sacramento sweep on the week would turns the odds in the favor of the Bears for the No. 1 seed and hosting rights for next year.
Northern Arizona has last clinched at least a portion of the regular season in 2018 with Idaho. They also shared it three-ways in 2015 with Idaho and Northern Colorado. If the Lumberjacks were to clinch the title outright, it would be their first in program history.
Weber State Named Preseason Favorites
The Wildcats earned the top spot in the preseason poll after receiving five first place votes from the league's head coaches. Weber State is looking to secure their first regular season crown since the 2021 season. The Wildcats most recently won the Big Sky Volleyball tournament in 2023.
2025 Big Sky Volleyball Coaches’ Poll Results
1. Weber State (5) - 74
2. Northern Colorado (2) - 66
T3. Idaho State (2) - 65
T3. Sacramento State - 65
5. Eastern Washington - 40
6. Portland State - 39
T7. Montana State - 36
T7. Northern Arizona (1) - 36
9. Montana - 20
10. Idaho - 9
*() Indicates first place vote
Watts Headlines Inaugural Preseason All-Conference Team
Idaho State's Jaydin Watts headlines the inagural preseason All-Conference Team, earning preseason MVP honors. Watts was second in the league a season ago in blocks (161) and blocking average (1.34). Watts played a crucial role in Idaho State's record setting-defensive efforts last season. The Bengals led the nation in total blocks (364) and third in blocks per set (2.96). Fellow Bengal Meline Shulikov also earn a preseason nod.
Defending regular-season champion Northern Colorado also earned a pair of preseason honors in Isabel Bennett and Alayna Tessena. The Bears are coming off of a 28-8 record a season ago which included wins over Michigan State, Ole Miss and Colorado. The success continued into the postseason with a semifinal apperance in the NIVC.
2025 Big Sky Volleyball Preseason All-Conference Team
1. Jaydin Watts, ISU (Preseason MVP)
2. Ashley Gneiting, WSU
3. Isabel Bennett, UNC
4. Hannah Stoddard, NAU
5. Kate Doorn, SAC
6. Naomi White, PSU
7. Quincy Moran, EWU
8. Lauren Lindseth, MSU
9. Meline Shulikov, ISU
10. Alayna Tessena, UNC
Sacramento State Seeks to Repeat as Tournament Champions in 2025
Sacramento State, who claimed its first tournament title since 2007 a season ago, will look to defend its title this year as the Hornets set their sights on another tourney crown. The Hornets were the first team to win the tournament on their home court since North Dakota in 2016.
Greeley Tabbed as Host City for 2025 Big Sky Tournament
The 2025 Big Sky Conference Volleyball Championship will be held at the Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley, Colorado on Nov. 24-26. The top-eight teams in the conference standings after the conclusion of the regular season will comprise the championship field.
2025 Big Sky Volleyball Schedule (Week 13)
Wednesday, Nov. 19
Montana at Weber State // 4:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Sacramento State at Eastern Washington // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Portland State at Idaho // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Montana State at Idaho State // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Friday, Nov. 21
Idaho State at Eastern Washington // 12:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Sacramento State at Idaho // 6:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Northern Arizona at Northern Colorado // 6:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Montana State at Weber State // 6:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Montana at Idaho State // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
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