Pocatello, ID – Sophomore middle blocker Heather Denison had a career-high 13 kills in Portland’s loss against Idaho State Friday night at the Idaho State Labor Day Tournament in its season opener.

Denison had 13 kills in 20 attempts for a .600 hitting percentage, but Portland lost 30-26, 30-22, 30-22 in the first meeting between the schools since 1988. ISU was led by senior Joy Deatherage, who notched a team-high 14 kills on a .571 hitting night. The Bengals also got a .462 hitting night and nine kills from freshman Kamie Olsen.

Senior outside hitter Bridget Beschen came up with seven kills and nine digs while sophomore middle blocker Anna Abatzoglou had seven kills in the losing effort.

Portland faces Marquette and CS Northridge Saturday.

In the first match of the night Friday, Marquette stormed out to an early 2-0 lead in games before Cal State Northridge stole back the momentum and took the final three, winning a 29-31, 21-30, 30-25, 30-26, 15-9 slugfest. Northridge was led by 23 kills from laura Walter, while the Golden Eagles had 22 kills from Vesna Grbavac.