CALDWELL, Idaho – The No. 7-ranked Corban University volleyball team got off to a resounding start to its 2021 Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) schedule on Friday evening, sweeping College of Idaho on its home court (25-18, 25-21, 25-12). It is just the second time since 1998 that the Navy and Gold has managed to sweep the Yotes on their home floor.

"College of Idaho came out to battle and kept us on our toes tonight," said head coach Kim McLain. "We know we needed to win the pass and serve game in order for our offense to be effective. It feels good to have our first CCC win under our belt!"

The Yotes led for the majority of the match's first set, at one point staking a 17-16 advantage over the Warriors. Corban closed the set on a 9-1 run, however, deflating the sizeable home crowd and taking an early 1-0 lead.

The entire second game was a back-and-forth affair, which once again ended in the Navy and Gold's favor. With all the momentum possessed by the visitors, the Warriors cruised in the third and final game (25-12), capping off the triumph in convincing fashion.

Rylee Troutman led the squad with nine kills in the victory, attacking at a .241 clip. Ally Tow finished the night right before her with eight putaways, while Sarena Bartley (.286 hitting percentage) and Avari Ridgway (.235 hitting percentage) each tallied six kills apiece.

Allyson Reid tallied five block assists at the net, while Ridgway added four of her own. The tandem played a huge role in Corban holding the Yotes to a -.017 hitting percentage as a team on Friday evening, marking the first time College of Idaho has ever tallied a negative attacking clip in the rally scoring era.

In addition to her offensive efforts, Troutman also tied for the team lead in digs with 15, matching Kealani Ontai's total for the evening. The Warriors' setting tandem was exceptional on Friday, as Jadyn Mullen handed out 21 assists, while Ciarra Judson added 10.

Emily Vandenberg spearheaded the Yotes' efforts in the defeat, tallying a team-high seven kills.

It's a strong start to the CCC season for the Warriors, whose path is just beginning.  

The Warriors (7-0, 1-0 CCC) will return to action tomorrow night, challenging No. 14 Eastern Oregon University in a pivotal early season matchup. First serve of tomorrow's rematch of the 2020 CCC Tournament Championship will take place at 5 p.m. in La Grande, Ore.