CALDWELL, Idaho — The College of Idaho volleyball team will open the 2025 NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship at home, hosting Bethel College (Kan.) on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. inside the JAAC. The 48-team national tournament begins with 24 Opening Round matches at campus sites nationwide, with all broadcasts carried free on the NAIA Channel of the Urban Edge Network.
College of Idaho (18-10) enters the postseason behind a balanced, all-conference core and one of the Cascade Collegiate Conference's top defensive units. The Yotes average 2.5 blocks per set and hold opponents to a .120 hitting percentage, anchored by CCC Freshman of the Year Shaynee McWilliams, who totaled 628 assists, 168 digs, 24 aces and 28 blocks while directing the team's 6-2 offense.
First Team All-CCC standouts Mia Hutchinson, who ranked fourth in the CCC in total kills, and Abigail Flerchinger, who delivered some of the most complete performances in the league this season, lead the attack. Sophomore middle Cierra Bohrn, an honorable mention honoree, adds an efficient 212 kills with 81 blocks at the net.
Statistically, the Yotes bring strong defensive margins into the postseason, out-blocking opponents 270 to 211.5 and maintaining advantages in digs and opponent efficiency.
Bethel (23-10) arrives in Caldwell behind one of the most explosive offensive players in the NAIA. Junior outside hitter Cameron Offerle, a first team All-KCAC standout, finished the regular season atop the nation in total kills with 558, the second-highest total in program history. Freshman setter Dalaina Schutte, also a first team selection, ranks among the KCAC's elite with 949 assists, while middle blockers Darla Crow (second team) and Alayna Vines (third team) bolster a front line that helped the Threshers hit .210 with 12.7 kills per set.
Bethel also brings a strong serving game with nearly 2.0 aces per set, while the Yotes counter with steady serve receive and one of the strongest blocking units in the opening-round field.
The winner of Saturday's matchup advances to the final site in Sioux City, Iowa, where pool play begins December 3. Quarterfinals follow on December 6, with the semifinals on December 8 and the national championship on December 9. All matches will stream free on the NAIA Channel and the NAIA Network.
Tickets for Saturday's Opening Round match are on sale now at the College of Idaho ticketing portal HERE.
