CALDWELL, Idaho - College of Idaho pushed Bushnell to the brink Saturday night at the J.A. Albertson Activities Center, but the Beacons escaped with a five-set win, 22-25, 25-21, 25-22, 23-25, 15-9, in Cascade Conference volleyball action.
The Yotes (9-4, 3-3 CCC) opened strong, taking the first set behind a balanced attack and timely defense. Mia Hutchinson and Brooke Garman led the way offensively, combining for 29 kills on the night. Abigail Flerchinger added 11 kills and four blocks, helping College of Idaho hold Bushnell to a .098 hitting percentage in the opening frame.
Bushnell (10-6, 4-2) responded in sets two and three, capitalizing on Yote errors and finding rhythm behind Leah Agost and Hailey Heider, who each finished with 15 or more kills. The Beacons' blocking presence, 28 block assists overall, began to shift momentum, with Soleil Sands and Teagan Dixon contributing heavily at the net.
College of Idaho regrouped in the fourth, edging Bushnell 25-23 to force a decisive fifth set. But the Beacons came out firing, jumping to a 7-0 lead and never trailing in the final frame.
Setter Shaynee McWilliams guided the Yotes with 42 assists and 10 digs, while Liza Montalbo anchored the back row with a match-high 22 digs. Kadence Boyd added 11 digs and two aces.
Despite the loss, the Yotes showed resilience and depth, with contributions from Cierra Bohrn (eight kills, four blocks) and Cora Young (four blocks). College of Idaho returns to conference play next week looking to build on the competitive performance.
