CALDWELL, Idaho — The College of Idaho volleyball team swept No. 3 Eastern Oregon in an electrifying three-set match (25-20, 28-26, 25-18) Tuesday night, marking their third top-10 victory in four weeks. The night held special significance as it was dedicated to the Jae Foundation, established in memory of Jae Bob Bing to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention, especially among youth. Fans showed up in boots — a signature of the organization meant to spark conversations about mental health.
Haley McUne led the Yotes with 11 kills and capped the win with her second service ace of the night. Mia Hutchinson added 13 kills, while Savannah Hutchins surpassed 1,000 assists in her two-year career at College of Idaho, finishing the night with 19. Jerzie Bair added eight kills, hitting an impressive .667, and Deshy Sandoval anchored the defense with 11 digs.
How It Happened
The Yotes opened strong, capturing the first set 25-20 with a balanced attack. The second set turned into a tense battle, but College of Idaho fought back from an early deficit, securing the win 28-26. In the final set, the Yotes' aggressive play at the net and steady blocks widened their lead to 25-18, with McUne's service ace sealing the victory.
Eastern Oregon's Emma Burlingame led her team with 10 kills, while Ashton Bales added seven points, and setter Alexis McMurtrey contributed 15 assists. Despite the Mountaineers' efforts, College of Idaho's relentless offense and solid defense secured the win.
The atmosphere was charged with energy as local high school teams and community members gathered to witness the action and experience college athletics. The Yotes' win not only improved their record to 15-11 overall and 11-7 in Cascade Conference play but also highlighted the importance of mental health awareness in an unforgettable night for the College of Idaho community.
