SALEM, Ore. – In a match-up of preseason NAIA Top-25 teams, Corban University forced the College of Idaho into 25 attack errors, as the host Warriors earned a 25-19, 25-19, 25-20 victory in the Cascade Conference opener for both teams inside the C.E. Jeffers Sports Center.
Avari Ridgway had eight kills to pace the Warriors (4-3, 1-0 CCC) – who held a 7-6 edge in team blocks against the top blocking club in the CCC.
A pair of Cassie Cunningham aces fueled a 5-0 Corban run in Set 1, building an 18-11 lead. The Yotes (5-3, 0-1) would close within 19-17 on a
Kaydre Thompson spike, but consecutive C of I errors allowed the Warriors to reclaim the edge and take the set win.
C of I started quacking in Set 2, taking an 8-3 lead on a
Jordyn Boswell kill. The Warriors tightened up their defense, recording four blocks in the frame – using a 10-2 run to take their first lead and added a 5-0 surge late in the period to earn the victory.
The hosts looked to run away with Set 3, as three Ridgway kills helped Corban score 12 of the first 15 points of the period. The Yotes chipped away, cutting the margin to 21-18 on the last of three combo blocks involving
Brianna Barta. Unfortunately, Corban earned a side out, starting a three-point run that put away the match.
Boswell led C of I with nine kills, with
Mackenzie Keating adding seven kills.
Abigail Guinn had 22 assists, with
Drew Dobney recording 10 digs.
Cunningham had seven kills and Jadyn Mullen had 16 assists to lead Corban.
C of I returns to action tomorrow afternoon with a 5 p.m. match-up at Northwest Christian.
