CALDWELL, Idaho — The College of Idaho Volleyball team delivered an electrifying performance in front of a raucous home crowd on Saturday night, defeating Benedictine Mesa (Ariz.) in a nail-biting 3-1 victory (22-25, 25-23, 26-24, 25-17) during the NAIA Opening Round. The win propels the Yotes to the prestigious NAIA Final Site in Sioux City, Iowa, where the nation's top teams will battle for glory December 4-6.
The matchup began with tension as the visiting Redhawks claimed the opening set 25-22, capitalizing on early errors by the Yotes. But momentum shifted in the second set when College of Idaho, buoyed by relentless energy from the stands, clawed their way to a 25-23 victory behind precise setting by Savannah Hutchins and powerful kills from Mia Hutchinson, who finished with a game-high 15 kills.
The third set proved to be the turning point, a heart-stopping battle that saw the Yotes fend off multiple late surges by Benedictine Mesa. Defensive stalwart Haley McUne dazzled with 26 digs while adding 12 kills, and key blocks from Abby Draghici and Shelbey Nichol sealed the 26-24 win, bringing the gym to its feet.
In the final frame, the Yotes found their rhythm, unleashing a blistering .300 attack percentage. Alexa Wheeler delivered thunderous spikes, while Kadence Boyd contributed timely service aces, driving College of Idaho to a commanding 25-17 finish and a spot among the NAIA elite.
The Yotes will now prepare to face the nation's best in pool play at the Tyson Events Center. The College of Idaho has its eyes set on the ultimate prize.
