LARAMIE, Wyo. - The Idaho State volleyball team needed only one day to accomplish something it took two weeks to achieve a year ago.

On the opening day of their 2009 season Friday, the Bengals picked up two victories. They beat South Dakota State 22-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-16 in the opening match of the University of Wyoming Classic and capped the day with a 25-23, 25-16, 25-19 win over Rutgers.

Last season, Idaho State didn't pick up its second win of the season until Sept. 13. It's the first time the Bengals have won two matches on the opening day of a season since 1996.

"It's good for people's confidence," coach Chad Teichert said by cell phone. "It's a lot better than going 0-2, I can tell you that."

Senior outside hitter Emily Waldron led the way against the Jackrabbits, as she recorded 12 kills and 14 digs. Sophomore outside hitter Jaclyn Hone added 15 kills, while sophomore setter Karissa Legaux tallied 48 assists.

Against the Scarlet Knights, no Bengals player reached double figures in kills, but it didn't matter. Hone led the way with nine kills, while Waldron and junior outside hitter Haylee Thompson each had eight. Waldron had a team-high 11 digs, while Legaux had 35 assists in the easy victory.

"We can do better," Teichert said, "but overall we played pretty well, well enough to get two wins."

Today, Idaho State will look to close out the tournament with a perfect mark when it plays host Wyoming at 7 p.m.

"They're pretty good," Teichert said of the Cowgirls. "We have to serve tough because they passed extremely well tonight, and they have some hitters who can spank it."