CALDWELL, Idaho – The College of Idaho made quick work of Warner Pacific on Friday night, sweeping the Knights 25-15, 25-9, 25-13 in Cascade Conference play at the JAAC before turning the spotlight to celebrate head coach Liz Mendiola's 25th season leading the program.
The Yotes (11-6, 5-5 CCC) were efficient throughout, finishing with a .389 hitting percentage and holding the Knights to just .076. Abigail Flerchinger had a standout night with 12 kills on .579 hitting and three blocks, while Brooke Garman and Cierra Bohrn each posted eight kills. Keylee Wilson added four kills and three service aces, and setter Shaynee McWilliams directed the offense with 28 assists to go along with eight digs.
College of Idaho took control early, opening the first set with a 10-2 run behind the serving of Kadence Boyd and never looked back. The second set was even more decisive as the Yotes hit .531 as a team, racking up 20 kills while limiting Warner Pacific to nine points. The third set saw Mendiola empty her bench, with contributions across the roster helping close out the sweep in just over an hour.
Warner Pacific (0-10, 0-9) was led by Tayah-Anne Toa's seven kills, while Blake Barbee chipped in three. The Knights had their best offensive stretch in the opening set but could not sustain momentum against the Yotes' balanced attack.
After the victory, the focus shifted to Mendiola, the winningest coach in program history. Over 25 seasons, she has compiled a 521-249 record (.677), guiding more than 200 student-athletes through her tenure. Her teams have earned eight CCC regular-season titles, eight CCC tournament championships and 14 NAIA National Tournament appearances.
Mendiola has been named CCC Coach of the Year eight times and oversaw two of the most dominant streaks in school history: 42 consecutive home victories from 2005–08 and 73 straight CCC home wins between 2005–13, a conference record.
A Yote for 31 years, Mendiola first made her mark as a player, where she still holds program records for kills per set, kills in a four-set match and total attacks in a single contest. She has since become the cornerstone of the program, blending sustained success on the court with a reputation for building lasting connections with her athletes.
The Yotes, who evened their conference record with the win, return to action next week as CCC play continues.
