KLAMATH FALLS, Ore.- The College of Idaho volleyball team staged a thrilling comeback to reverse sweep Oregon Tech, winning 3-2 after dropping the first two sets. The Yotes rallied with set scores of 25-23, 25-18, and 15-11 in the final three sets. Strong performances from key players allowed College of Idaho to secure the reverse sweep and improve their conference record to 1-1. Oregon Tech had dominated early but couldn't close out the match, allowing the Yotes to take advantage and earn a hard-fought victory.
Leading the Yotes were Haley McUne with 15 kills and 10 digs, Alexa Wheeler contributing 8 kills and 10 blocks, and Shelbey Nichol adding 10 kills and 7 blocks. Setter Savannah Hutchins dished out 28 assists, while libero Althea Sandoval led with 20 digs. The Yotes demonstrated resilience and teamwork to secure the victory.
Wheeler's performance at the net was just one block assist under the College of Idaho single-game record, but she is the first Yote to hit double digits in the block assists since 2019.Â
How It Happened:Â
The College of Idaho found themselves in a deep hole early, dropping the first two sets to Oregon Tech with scores of 22-25 and 18-25. Struggling with attack errors and solid blocking from OIT, CI fell behind in both sets, despite strong efforts from key players like Haley McUne and Abby Draghici.
In the third set, CI rallied. A service ace by libero Althea Sandoval and kills from Shelbey Nichol and Alexa Wheeler helped CI grab an early lead. Despite OIT's attempts to close the gap, CI's aggressive play at the net and consistent serving secured a 25-18 set win, keeping the Yotes alive.
Riding the momentum into the fourth set, CI capitalized on OIT's errors while continuing to apply pressure. McUne's kills and Sandoval's defense were instrumental in CI controlling the tempo, forcing a fifth and decisive set with a 25-20 victory.
In the final set, CI completed the comeback, holding OIT at bay. Key plays from McUne and Draghici, along with a crucial block from Nichol and Wheeler, sealed the win with a 15-11 score, earning the Yotes an impressive reverse sweep after facing a 0-2 deficit.
