CALDWELL, Idaho- The College of Idaho Yotes secured another victory, this time overcoming Northwest University in a hard-fought 3-1 match. The Yotes demonstrated resilience and teamwork, particularly in the pivotal second and fourth sets, sealing the win.
The match opened with both teams battling for control in the first set, but College of Idaho established momentum midway through with key kills from Jessica Stires and Janae Rayborn, taking advantage of errors from Northwest. Despite a late surge from Northwest University, the Yotes closed out the first set 25-23.
In the second set, College of Idaho took an early lead and never looked back, capitalizing on service aces by Savannah Hutchins and blocks from Abigail Flerchinger and Shelbey Nichol. The Yotes dominated Northwest in this set, winning convincingly 25-17.
Northwest University fought back in the third set, as Azaria Johnson and Delaney Sparks powered the Eagles' offense. The Yotes struggled to find their rhythm, and despite a late rally, Northwest took the set 25-22.
College of Idaho regained their composure in the fourth set, quickly shaking off the third-set loss. With Haley McUne leading the attack and Capri Salmon setting up crucial points, the Yotes controlled the final set. McUne's kills and Rayborn's well-timed attacks helped secure a 25-18 victory, ending the match.
Stat Leaders
For College of Idaho side, Haley McUne dominated offensively with 17 kills, while Abigail Flerchinger posted an impressive .500 hitting percentage. Capri Salmon was the top playmaker with 28 assists, and Janae Rayborn led in digs with 18. Shelbey Nichol had a strong presence at the net, contributing to 7 block assists.
For Northwest, Delaney Sparks led the team in kills with 11, while Azaria Johnson had the highest hitting percentage at .353. Allie Flynn and Morgan Harter both recorded 20 assists each, and Ellie Van Berkum led defensively with 26 digs. At the net, Azaria Johnson contributed to 3 block assists.
