FULLERTON, Calif. - The College of Idaho volleyball team opened its 2025 season in thrilling fashion Friday at the Hope International Summer Slam, knocking off No. 2-ranked Bellevue (Neb.) in five sets, 25-20, 21-25, 17-25, 25-18, 15-12, before rallying past host Hope International 3-1, 21-25, 25-6, 25-18, 25-23.
The Yotes (2-0) made national noise right away with the upset of 2024 NAIA runner-up Bellevue. After winning the opening frame, C of I dropped two straight and faced elimination before regrouping in the fourth behind a balanced attack. Seniors Brooke Garman (15 kills) and Mia Hutchinson (13 kills) carried the load late, while Cierra Bohrn added 11 kills and Shaynee McWilliams directed the offense with 39 assists and 13 digs. Libero Liza Montalbo steadied the back row with three aces and eight digs, helping the Yotes hit .309 for the match. A 7-3 run to close the decisive fifth set sealed the upset.
In the nightcap, the Yotes showed their resilience again, rallying from a set down to defeat Hope International. After stumbling through the opener, C of I dominated the second set 25-6 and carried that momentum through the third. The Royals pushed back in the fourth, jumping out to a six-point lead, but the Yotes clawed back behind Cora Young (eight kills, .636 hitting) and Abigail Flerchinger (six kills, two blocks). Hutchinson chipped in 10 kills and Garman added seven, while Montalbo paced the defense with 14 digs and Keylee Wilson served three aces to help lock down the comeback win.
With a roster blending fresh faces and proven veterans, head coach Liz Mendiola's squad showed both toughness and depth on opening day. The Yotes return to action for a single match on Saturday looking to build on their momentum.
