Butte, Mont. – Making a return to the NAIA National Tournament for the first time since 2018, the College of Idaho volleyball faced No. 15 Montana Tech on Saturday.
The Orediggers (22-5) spoiled the return with a 25-21, 25-18, 25-15 win over the Yotes.
College of Idaho (19-14) was paced by a pair of six-kill efforts by
Shelbey Nichol and
Janae Rayborn.
Jade Warren added five to go along with three blocks in the defeat. Setters
Analise Hitchcock and
Savannah Hutchins had 15 and 12 assists, respectively. Plus, libero
Clair Hodge had 15 digs in the contest.
Montana Tech were strong at the net with its defense as they recorded 10 blocks and posted a .292 hitting percentage. Maureen Jessop paced the attack with 12 kills and Olivia Muir added 11. Kinnidi Willmore and Rhys Layton each had a pair of service aces. Muir also had five blocks with four from Taylor Henley for the home team. Sarah Hopcroft had 12 digs and Layton set the attack with 21 assists.
With the win, the Orediggers are off to the NAIA Volleyball Championship Final Site in Sioux City, Iowa. The national championship takes place November 29
th to December 5
th.
