LEWISTON, Idaho – A December 21st showdown etched itself into College of Idaho history as the Yotes women's basketball team stunned No. 13 Lewis-Clark State, claiming a 58-56 thriller to end a 16-game losing streak against their conference rivals. The last Yotes victory over the Warriors came more than a decade ago in a neutral-site clash in Salt Lake City. This win not only breaks the drought but also serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Yotes squad.
In a game defined by intensity and clutch moments, the Yotes surged ahead in the second quarter with a 20-13 scoring run, showcasing a fiery offense that pushed their shooting percentage to an impressive 61.5% in the period. Sophomore guard Mia Austin spearheaded the effort from deep, sinking five three-pointers en route to a game-high 15 points. Her precision shooting, combined with key contributions from Anna Mooney (13 points, 7 rebounds) and Kylie Waltermeyer (13 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists), set the tone for the upset.
The Warriors fought back valiantly in the third quarter, riding a 53.8% shooting effort and closing the gap with a 17-15 edge in scoring. Mataya Green and Darian Herring led LC State with 12 and 14 points, respectively, but the Yotes' defense stiffened when it mattered most, forcing crucial turnovers in the final moments.
Field goal efficiency proved pivotal, as the Yotes outshot LC State 42.6% to 37.3% from the floor. Beyond the arc, the Yotes dazzled with a stellar 50.0% conversion rate, while LC State struggled at 19.0%. Despite LC State's advantage in free throws, going 8-of-9 compared to the Yotes' lone trip to the line—made by Waltermeyer with just one second remaining—the visitors held firm.
With the game hanging in the balance in the final minute, Ashton Adamson delivered a go-ahead layup to put the Yotes ahead 57-56. After a defensive stand, Waltermeyer iced the game by sinking the first of two free throws, sealing a victory that electrified the Yotes' bench and silenced the P1FCU Activity Center crowd.
The Yotes (5-5, 3-2 CCC) now head into a short holiday break before returning to the J.A. Albertsons Activities Center on January 3rd to host Corban University. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m., and the Yotes look to carry this momentum into the New Year.
