CALDWELL, Idaho - After opening the 2025 season with three straight victories at the Hope International Summer Slam, the College of Idaho volleyball team has been named the Cascade Conference Under Armor Team of the Week.
The Yotes (3-0) made a statement on Friday with a five-set upset of 2024 NAIA national runner-up and No. 2-ranked Bellevue (Neb.), 25-20, 21-25, 17-25, 25-18, 15-12, before rallying from a set down to defeat tournament host Hope International 3-1, 21-25, 25-6, 25-18, 25-23.
C of I carried that momentum into Saturday, cruising past Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) in a straight-set sweep, 25-13, 25-15, 25-12. Across the weekend, the Yotes hit .366 as a team while holding their opponents to a combined .059 attack percentage.
Individually, Abigail Flerchinger shined with a .500 hitting percentage against Embry-Riddle, while veterans Brooke Garman and Mia Hutchinson powered the attack in Friday's upset over Bellevue. Setter Shaynee McWilliams averaged more than 30 assists per match to pace the offense, and libero Liza Montalbo led the defensive effort with timely digs and serving pressure.
With a roster that blends several new contributors alongside key returners, head coach Liz Mendiola's squad showed both depth and resilience in California. The Yotes return to action next weekend looking to build on their perfect 3-0 start.
