FARMINGTON, Utah (Sept. 2, 2026) – Opening weekend is in the books and now teams turn the calendar to September with a full month on non-conference action ahead.
Below are news & notes from around the league for Big Sky volleyball.
Eastern Washington's Kalista Lukovich Named Offensive Player of the Week
Eastern Washington's Kalista Lukovich was named Offensive Player of the Week after registering 52 kills over the three-match weekend. Lukovich's efforts led the Eagles to a perfect 3-0 weekend at North Dakota as they defeated Seattle, Chicago State and the hosts themselves. Along with hitting .357 over the weekend, she also contributed nine total blocks and 23 digs.
Eastern Washington returns to the court on Thursday ahead of a full weekend of matches in Spokane.
Others Nominated: Mia Walsh (ISU), Gracie Cagle (UM), Elli Esko (MSU), Gigi Greenlee (NAU), Alivia Eikenberg (PSU), Nana Asiata (UTU), Alexis Carlson (WSU)
Montana State's Nicolette Noble Named Defensive Player of the Week
Montana State's Nicolette Noble was named Defensive Player of the Week powering the Bobcats to a 3-0 weekend. Noble's defensive efforts were felt through all three matches as she recorded double-digit digs in all three contests. Her 63 digs, 16 assists and service ace were instrumental to Montana State's perfect weekend on the road.
Montana State is back in action on Thursday in Minneapolis.
Others Nominated: Sidney Gray (EWU), Jaydin Watts (ISU), Madeline Sanderson (UM), Paige Stepaniuk (PSU), Lusia Langi (UTU), Marly Pratt (WSU)
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 2)
Wednesday, Sept. 2
Portland State at DePaul // 6:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Thursday, Sept. 3
Montana State at St. Thomas // 2:00 p.m. MT (SL Network)
Idaho vs Marist // 3:00 p.m. MT
Eastern Washington vs Oral Roberts // 3:30 p.m. MT
Montana vs Seattle // 3:00 p.m. MT
Idaho State vs UNLV // 3:00 p.m. MT (YouTube)
Utah Tech at Hawaii // 11:00 p.m. MT (MW+)
Friday, Sept. 4
Northern Arizona vs Bradley // 9:00 a.m. MT
Montana State vs Milwaukee // 11:00 a.m. MT
Portland State vs Lindenwood // 1:30 p.m. MT
Southern Utah vs UC Irvine // 2:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Idaho State vs North Dakota State // 3:00 p.m. MT (YouTube)
Northern Colorado vs New Mexico // 3:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Eastern Washington vs Cal State Fullerton // 3:30 p.m. MT
Portland State at Northern Illinois // 5:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Northern Arizona at South Dakota State // 6:00 p.m. MT (SL Network)
Idaho at Denver // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Weber State at CSU Bakersfield // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Montana at Oregon State // 7:00 p.m. MT (YouTube)
Utah Tech vs UC San Diego // 8:00 p.m. MT
Saturday, Sept. 5
Northern Arizona vs Western Illinois // 8:30 a.m. MT
Idaho vs SIUE // 10:00 a.m. PT
Montana State vs UIC // 11:00 a.m.
Southern Utah vs New Mexico State // 12:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Montana vs Cal Baptist // 12:00 p.m. MT
Northern Colorado at Wichita State // 1:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Portland State vs Murray State // 1:30 p.m. MT
Idaho State at Boise State // 2:00 p.m (YouTube)
Eastern Washington at Gonzaga // 3:00 p.m. (YouTube)
Weber State at CSU Bakersfield // 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Sunday, Sept. 6
Northern Colorado at #23 Colorado // 3:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Utah Tech vs LMU // 6:00 p.m. MT