FARMINGTON, Utah (Sept. 29, 2026) – The first week of Big Sky action is in the books as three teams came out of the opening week with a 2-0 record. Idaho State, Northern Colorado and Utah Tech look to stay perfect through week two.
Below are news & notes from around the league for Big Sky volleyball.
Northern Colorado's Gillian Walton Named Offensive Player of the Week
Northern Colorado's Gillian Walton was named Offensive Player of the Week after registering over 30 kills through two matches this weekend. Walton played a key role in the Bear's perfect 2-0 weekend as she averaged more than four kills per set. Along with hitting .308 over the weekend, she also contributed six digs and one block.
Northern Colorado will play their first conference road games this weekend at Southern Utah and Utah Tech.
Others Nominated: Aspyn Reed (EWU), Jaydin Watts (ISU), Sophia Vella (UM), Joelie Spelts (MSU), Willow Watson (PSU), Natalie Moore (SUU), Nana Asiata (UTU), Rose Moore (WSU)
Idaho State's Aspen Boice Named Defensive Player of the Week
Idaho State's Aspen Boice was named Defensive Player of the Week after powering the Bengals to a successful 2-0 weekend. Boice's defensive efforts were felt through both matches as she averaged more than five digs per set. She totaled 32 digs on the weekend and also contributed three service aces.
Idaho State will open up their home conference slate this weekend against Northern Arizona and Portland State.
Others Nominated: Elle Bruegman (EWU), Josie Blazina (UM), Nicolette Noble (MSU), Bella LePore (UNC), Reese Biesemeyer (PSU), Emilia Linden (SUU), Mya Laufiso (UTU), Ziya Munyer (WSU)
Three Teams Begin Big Sky Play Unbeaten
The first week of conference action is complete as Idaho State, Northern Colorado at Utah Tech come out with a 2-0 record.
The Bengals took care of business on the road as they swept both Eastern Washington and Idaho to kick of the conference season. The Bengals take a 10-4 overall record back home as they open up the home conference slate against reigning regular season champions Northern Arizona and Portland State.
Northern Colorado defended their den over the course of week one of conference action as the Bears defeated Montana and Montana State. They look to keep their winning ways going on the road this week against Utah Tech and Southern Utah.
Utah Tech is off to a strong start in the Big Sky as they took down Portland State and Northern Arizona in the opening conference matches. The Trailblazers are on a six-match win streak and have swept five of their last six opponents. Utah Tech looks to keep it rolling against Southern Utah and Northern Colorado this week.
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 6)
Tuesday, Sept. 29
Southern Utah at Utah Tech // 6:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Thursday, October. 1
Portland State at Weber State // 6:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Northern Colorado at Utah Tech // 6:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Eastern Washington at Montana // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Idaho at Montana State // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Northern Arizona at Idaho State // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Saturday, Oct. 3
Portland State at Idaho State // 12:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Northern Colorado at Southern Utah // 12:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Northern Arizona at Weber State // 1:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Eastern Washington at Montana State // 2:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Idaho at Montana // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)