KIRKLAND, Wash. - The College of Idaho volleyball team couldn't sustain early momentum Saturday afternoon, falling in straight sets to Northwest University (25-15, 25-22, 25-18) in Cascade Collegiate Conference play.
Despite the sweep, the Yotes (12-8, 6-7 CCC) showed stretches of strong play, especially in the second set when they rallied late to close within two points before the Eagles (14-5, 8-5) held on.
Junior outside hitter Brooke Garman led the attack with 12 kills, while Cierra Bohrn added seven and Mia Hutchinson chipped in six. Setter Shaynee McWilliams dished out 23 assists and contributed six digs and four points on offense. Defensively, Liza Montalbo anchored the back row with 10 digs.
The Yotes came out swinging in the opening set, hitting .256, their best mark of the day. However, Northwest's steady offensive efficiency (.256 overall) and timely blocking proved decisive. The Eagles were led by Kaitlyn Mickle with 12 kills, Aubree Dees with seven kills and three aces, and setter Morgan Harter, who tallied 24 assists.
College of Idaho will look to bounce back next week as they continue conference play on the road before returning home to Caldwell for a key late-season stretch.
