FARMINGTON, Utah (Sept. 16, 2026) – The final tune-up before Big Sky action is here as teams around the league prepare for one last weekend of non-conference play.
Below are news & notes from around the league for Big Sky volleyball.
Utah Tech's Tessa Treanor Named Offensive Player of the Week
Utah Tech's Tessa Treanor was named Offensive Player of the Week after registering 30 kills over two matches. Treanor's efforts led the Trailblazers to a 2-0 weekend in California as they defeated San Jose State and UC Irvine. Along with hitting .284 over the weekend, she also contributed 18 digs and a service ace.
Utah Tech will close out the non-conference slate against UC Riverside and Chicago State for their first home matches of the season.
Others Nominated: Kalista Lukovich (EWU), Jaydin Watts (ISU), Lauren Greeny (MSU), Hanah Stoddard (NAU), Summer Snead (UNC), Katarina Kosic (PSU), Kaitlyn Hoelker (SUU)
Idaho State's Jaydin Watts Named Defensive Player of the Week
Idaho State's Jaydin Watts was named Defensive Player of the Week powering the Bengals to a perfect 3-0 weekend. Watts' defensive efforts were felt through all three matches as she averaged nearly two blocks per set. Her 19 total blocks and 14 digs were instrumental to Idaho State's success on the road.
Idaho State is set to host their first home matches of the season this weekend with a trio of games on deck.
Others Nominated: Elle Bruegman (EWU), Quincey Coyle (NAU), Bella LePore (UNC), Willow Watson (PSU), Natalie Moore (SUU), Annalyse Shimada (UTU)
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.
Follow the Big Sky Conference (@BigSkyConf) on X, Facebook, Instagram, Blue Sky, YouTube and TikTok for all the latest news around the league.
2026 Big Sky Volleyball Schedule (Week 4)
Thursday, Sept. 17
Montana vs North Dakota State // 3:30 p.m. MT
Montana State at Mercer // 4:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Idaho at New Orleans // 5:30 p.m. MT
#24 BYU at Weber State // 6:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Denver at Northern Colorado // 6:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Northern Arizona vs Cal Baptist // 7:00 p.m. MT
Portland State at #23 Oregon // 7:00 p.m. MT (B1G+)
Pacific at Idaho State // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Friday, Sept. 18
Montana State vs Charleston Southern // 1:00 p.m. MT
Idaho at Florida A&M // 2:30 p.m. MT
Montana vs Seattle // 3:30 p.m. MT
Northern Arizona at San Francisco // 5:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Chicago State at Southern Utah // 6:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Wyoming at Idaho State // 6:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Air Force at Northern Colorado // 6:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
UC Riverside at Utah Tech // 6:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
CSU Bakersfield at Eastern Washington // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Portland State at Oregon State // 7:00 p.m. MT (YouTube)
Saturday, Sept. 19
Northern Arizona vs Texas Southern // 9:00 a.m. MT
Montana State vs Georgia State // 9:00 a.m. MT
Idaho at Cal State Fullerton // 10:00 a.m.
Chicago State at Utah Tech // 10:30 a.m. MT (ESPN+)
Utah at Northern Colorado // 12:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
UC Riverside at Southern Utah // 2:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Boise State at Idaho State // 2:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Portland at Eastern Washington // 2:30 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Weber State at Utah Valley // 3:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Montana at Gonzaga // 3:00 p.m. (YouTube)