FARMINGTON, Utah (Oct. 13, 2026) – Only one unbeaten team remains after three weeks of Big Sky Play. Utah Tech looks to extend their 10-match win streak and 6-0 mark in conference action this weekend.
Below are news & notes from around the league for Big Sky volleyball.
Montana State's Teagan Jaynes Named Co-Offensive Player of the Week
Montana State's Teagan Jaynes was named Co-Offensive Player of the Week after logging 97 assists through two matches this weekend. Jaynes played a key role in the Bobcat's offensive production as she averaged nearly 14 assists per set. Jaynes registered a .278 hitting percentage of her own as she also contributed 19 digs, six kills and a service ace.
Montana State will take on Southern Utah and Utah Tech in Bozeman this weekend.
Northern Colorado's Alayna Tessena Named Co-Offensive Player of the Week
Northern Colorado's Alayna Tessena was named Co-Offensive Player of the Week after registering 39 kills in a pair of matches this weekend. Tessena powered the Bear's success offensivley as she averaged 5.5 kills per set. Tessena recorded an astonishing .421 hitting percentage on the weekend. She also tallied 16 digs, a pair of blocks and a pair of service aces in route to a 2-0 week.
Northern Colorado will take a 3-match win streak into this weekend against Idaho State and Weber State.
Others Nominated: Willow Watson (PSU), Emilia Zug (SUU), Tessa Treanor (UTU), Rose Moore (WSU)
Weber State's Ziya Munyer Named Defensive Player of the Week
Weber State's Ziya Munyer was named Defensive Player of the Week after powering the Wildcats to a successful weekend. Munyer's defensive efforts were felt through both matches as she averaged nearly 1.5 blocks per set. She totaled 11 blocks on the weekend and also contributed 10 kills and three digs. The honor is Munyer's first of the season.
Weber State takes on Idaho State and Northern Colorado this week.
Others Nominated: Madeline Sanderson (UM), Reese Biesemeyer (PSU), Natalie Moore (SUU), Mya Laufiso (UTU)
Trailblazers Remain Unbeaten in Big Sky Play
After three weeks of conference play, Utah Tech heads into week four as the only team yet to drop a conference match.
The Trailblazers have now won 10-straight matches, including a 6-0 start to Big Sky play. Utah Tech most recently took down Idaho State and Weber State to extend their win streak. The win over Idaho State secured the Trailblazer's top spot in the standings as it served as the Bengal's first loss of the conference slate. Utah Tech now turns their attention towards Montana and Montana State for a roadtrip through the Treasure State.
Idaho State and Northern Colorado are right behind the Trailblazers in the standings, tied for second with 5-1 records. The two squads will square off on Thursday in Pocatello to maintain the second-place position.
The top-eight teams in the standings at the end of conference play with qualify for the Big Sky championship in Flagstaff in November.
Northern Colorado Picked as Preseason Favorites by League Coaches
Northern Colorado was named preseason favorites by the league's head coaches after winning the Big Sky tournament a season ago. The Bears look to make a run behind their two preseason All-Conference team selections Alayna Tessena and Nerea Alvarez Jorge.
Northern Colorado earned the top spot in the poll after collecting four first-place votes and a league-leading 83 points, edging out Northern Arizona by just three points, who also compiled four first-place votes. Montana collected a pair of first-place votes and found themselves deadlocked with Idaho State at third. In their first season in the league, Utah Tech got the final first-place vote.
NAU's Hanah Stoddard Tabbed as Preseason MVP by League Coaches
Northern Arizona's Hanah Stoddard headlines the preseason All-Conference Team, earning preseason MVP honors. Stoddard played a crucial role in securing the Lumberjacks' regular-season title last year after recording a career-best 461 kills over 30 matches, which ranked second in the league. Defensively, she also tabbed 376 digs and 24 total blocks. The Co-MVP from a season ago also earned AVCA All-American honorable mention honors.
Southern Utah and Utah Tech Join the Big Sky in 2026
Southern Utah and Utah Tech were officially welcomed as members of the Big Sky Conference this past summer, as the addition of the Thunderbirds and Trailblazers give the Big Sky 11 volleyball squads for the 2026 season. The 2026 season will mark SUU’s return to the Big Sky after being a volleyball member from 2012-21, while the year will be UTU’s inaugural season in the league.
2026 Big Sky Volleyball Tournament Hosted in Flagstaff
The 2026 Big Sky Volleyball Championship, hosted by Northern Arizona, will be held in Flagstaff, Arizona on Nov. 23-25. The Lumberjacks earned the right to host the 2026 championship tournament by winning last fall's regular-season title. The 2026 tournament will be the first in Flagstaff since 2015.
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2026 Big Sky Volleyball Schedule (Week 8)
Tuesday, Oct. 13
Weber State at Idaho State // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Thursday, October. 15
Northern Arizona at Eastern Washington // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Portland State at Idaho // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Southern Utah at Montana // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Northern Colorado at Idaho State // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Utah Tech at Montana State // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Saturday, Oct. 17
Portland State at Eastern Washington // 1:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Northern Colorado at Weber State // 6:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Northern Arizona at Idaho // 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Utah Tech at Montana // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Southern Utah at Montana State // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)