SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The College of Idaho kept its postseason hopes alive, battling to a 3-1 victory over Aquinas College (MI) on Thursday in the NAIA Volleyball National Championship at the Tyson Events Center. The Yotes (22-14) now sit at 1-1 in pool play with their fate resting on the final pool match between Aquinas and Corban on Friday.
Freshman setter Madeline Lee had the game of her career, delivering a breakout performance in just her seventh match for the Yotes. Lee tallied a match-high 21 assists, 19 digs, and three service aces, providing the steady leadership and dynamic play that turned the match in the Yotes' favor.
Haley McUne paced the offense with 12 kills and three aces. Abby Draghici contributed seven kills with a .385 attack percentage, and Shelbey Nichol chipped in seven kills and four block assists. Defensively, the Yotes tallied 10 blocks and held Aquinas (40-2) to a .085 hitting percentage, handing the Saints just their second loss of the season.
The Yotes rebounded from a tough first set, where they fell 25-20, to dominate the next three sets. They took the second 25-17, hit an impressive .400 in a commanding 25-13 third set win, and clinched the match with a 25-18 fourth set victory.
Aquinas was led by Lauren Chioini, who finished with eight kills and hit .412, and Lydia Harper, who added a match-high 29 assists.
The Yotes' postseason fate will now be decided by the result of Friday's pool play finale between Cascade Conference rival Corban and Aquinas. A Corban win will send the Yotes home, while an Aquinas victory would send Pool 9 into tie-breaker sets on Friday evening.
College of Idaho remains hopeful for the chance to continue its tournament journey, buoyed by Lee's standout performance and a strong team effort.
