Sept. 18, 2006

It was the first week of Big Sky volleyball here at ISU. We played host to two of our conference teams. Our first game was against Eastern Washington and then newcomer to the conference, Northern Colorado. It was an eventful week. Along with having our ups and downs, I know we learned some valuable lessons.

We played our first game of the week on Thursday against Eastern Washington. They are always a very strong team year after year. In fact ISU has not beaten Eastern in a very long time until last Thursday. This was a very monumental game for all of us, but for one person in particular, Nikki Havens. Nikki is finishing her fourth year in the Big Sky Conference, and had never beaten Eastern Washington. This was truly a dream come true for her. Along with playing an amazing game Nikki fulfilled a personal dream on Thursday night.

Following Thursday nights game we also played on Saturday. This was our first-ever Big Sky game against Northern Colorado. We did not play our best volleyball on Saturday. Northern Colorado was a very scrappy defensive team. They played hard and when it came down to it we just didn't push hard enough. I know that it was a good learning experience for our team and we will move forward with a lot of determination from this point on.

This upcoming week is also very big for us. We travel to Montana where we will play University of Montana on Thursday and then continue our trip to Montana State for our Saturday game. Every week in the Big Sky is bigger than that last. We will have to come into both of our games this upcoming week mentally prepared to win.

THIS WEEK'S PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Our player for the week is #3 a sophomore transfer from CSI, Corey Farnsworth. Corey was a high school standout for the hometown Century High School Diamondbacks. She played her freshman year in Twin Falls at the College of Southern Idaho where she won a junior college National Championship. Corey is a great defensive player, along with her intense personality that she brings to the court. Corey is the younger of two girls. Her mother and father were both great volleyball coaches and taught Corey how to play from a young age. He father is a firemen and her mother is a high school sign language teacher. They still reside here in Pocatello along with many other members of Corey's extended family. It is very fun for Corey to play in front of such a big hometown support group.

I look forward to reporting to you about a successful week in Montana. Again thank you for all of your support to Idaho State Volleyball. GO BENGALS!!!!