LA GRANDE, Ore. – In a clash of NAIA and Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) heavyweights, the No. 7-ranked Corban University volleyball team was one set away from delivering a shocking blow to No. 5-ranked Eastern Oregon on Friday evening.

On their homecoming weekend, the Mountaineers were able to stave off the Navy and Gold's attempt to play spoiler, edging the Warriors in an exhilarating five-set battle (16-25, 24-26, 25-11, 25-16, 15-6).

"I am so proud of how our team battled, never giving up and taking EOU to a fifth set," said head coach Kim McLain. "The CCC continues to be a very tough conference, and we look forward to continuing the journey!"

In one of the premier matchups of the 2019 season, the two powerhouses went toe-to-toe in thrilling fashion. Corban stormed out of the gates, deflating the home crowd with a convincing 25-16 victory in the match's first set.

Game two was a back-and-forth affair, with the two teams matching each other point for point while vying for separation. It was again the Warriors who ended on top, taking a two-sets-to-none advantage with a 26-24 win in game two.

With the match on the line, the Mountaineers stormed back with triumphs in sets three (25-11, 25-16) and four, forcing a winner-take-all fifth set in the NAIA top-10 duel.

Eastern Oregon would end up claiming the deciding game by a 15-6 final tally, completing the comeback.

It was the usual suspects who did the most damage for the Mounties, with Megan Bunn (21 kills, .340 attack percentage), Jet Taylor (17 kills, .371 attack percentage), and Madison Pilon (44 assists, 20 digs) pacing the offense.

For the Warriors, Cassie Cunningham (10 kills) and Lanae Wohlmacher (12 kills) each finished with double-digit kill totals, while Jacquelyn Clark (eight kills, .318 attack percentage) provided her usual mix of effectiveness and efficiency.

Kealani Ontai's 27 digs led all Corban defenders, while Cierra Leopoldino (14 digs, 24 assists), Jadyn Mullen (13 digs, 16 assists) and Lauren Condon (10 digs) all finished in double figures in the category, as well.

Eastern Oregon (20-1, 10-1 CCC) now moves into a tie atop the CCC standings with the Warriors, delivering the first loss of the season to the Navy and Gold.

Corban (13-4, 10-1 CCC) will now turn its sights to another NAIA top-25 contest, this time against No. 23 College of Idaho. The Warriors and Yotes will square off tomorrow evening in Caldwell, Idaho, with first serve set for 5 p.m. MST.