Third-seeded Idaho moved into tomorrow's Western Athletic Conference Tournament semifinals with a 25-20, 25-21, 25-18 volleyball victory over sixth-seeded Nevada this afternoon. The Vandals will play the winner of tonight's last quarterfinal, between second-seeded Hawai'i and seventh-seeded Boise State.

The first of four opening-round matches was watched by about 100 at Stan Sheriff Center — nearly half from Idaho. That number will multiply tomorrow, with more fans on the way to watch the Vandals play the Rainbows in football Saturday.

Coaches from Idaho and Nevada expect to see the Rainbow Wahine in the semifinal.

"We're planning on playing Hawai'i tomorrow," said Idaho's Debbie Buchanan. "We talk about us and what we do on our side and we have to do it well. One is passing … which has become more consistent. So if we can block and play defense and then bring the offensive game, I think it should be a good match."

The Vandals lost both matches against the Rainbow Wahine this season, but took a set in their first meeting, which cost Hawai'i the top seed this week.

"Idaho is a very good team," Nevada's Devin Scruggs said. "I don't think they have the physicality overall that Hawai'i does. I wouldn't expect Hawai'i to drop the match. The part to watch is that Idaho doesn't make a lot of errors and if Hawai'i comes out being a little too aggressive or not keeping the ball in play, that's when you're going to see a good match."

Idaho (19-9) trailed early in each set, but swept the Wolf Pack (12-15) with a balanced attack led by Sarah Conwell (12 kills) and Haley Larsen (10), a four-time all-WAC hitter and the school's career kill leader. Larsen ranks 11th nationally in kills this season. The hitters took turns, with Conwell getting six kills in the first and last sets, and Larsen warming up after going 1 for 15, with two errors, in the first set.

Nevada (12-15) closes its season at next week's Bankers Classic in Stockton, Calif. This will be its first losing season since joining the WAC in 2000. The Pack ended Idaho's season in the first round at the 2005 and 2007 WAC Tournaments.

Senior Allison Hernandez led the Pack with 13 kills and Lindsay Baldwin added eight, with four blocks. St. Francis graduate Kylie Harrington had four kills for Nevada and reserve Tatiana Santiago, out of Kamehameha, five digs. Nevada will spend Saturday on the North Shore and train in Argentina in the spring.

New Mexico State def. Fresno State

Lindsey Yon had 11 kills and 12 digs to lead top-seed New Mexico State to a 25-17, 25-17, 25-22 victory over No. 8 New Mexico State and into tomorrow's semifinals against San Jose State.

Erin Birmingham had six blocks for the Aggies.

Baylee Platt led Fresno State with 13 kills.

San Jose State def. Utah State

Colleen Burke's step-out move was unstoppable all afternoon as her monster 19-kill effort powered No. 5 San Jose State past No. 4 Utah State, 16-25, 25-23, 25-16, 17-25, 15-8.

Kelly Crow had 17 kills and Brianna Amian, a Moanalua graduate, added seven as the Spartans (13-16) advance to tomorrow's semifinal match against New Mexico State.

San Jose State libero Kristal Tsukano, a junior, became the sixth player in Spartan history to surpass 1,000 digs. She came into the match with 999 and had 18 digs in the win.

Fresno State def. Louisiana Tech

No. 8 Fresno State defeated ninth-seeded Louisiana Tech this morning, 23-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-19. Fresno State advances to play top-seeded New Mexico State at 5 p.m. today.

The Bulldogs out-hit the Lady Techsters .224 to .096, and out-blocked Louisiana Tech 12-10.

Fresno State's Baylee Platt posted her seventh double-double of the season, finishing with 18 kills and 15 digs. Lacey Gera added 20 kills on .382 hitting to go with five blocks, while setter Allanah Munson dished out 47 assists.

Natasha Kolunija led Tech with 13 kills.