CALDWELL, Idaho – Despite an absolute domination of the opening set, the No. 3-ranked Corban University Women's Volleyball team saw their 25-12 momentum stonewalled into three-straight set losses on the road to No. 12-ranked College of Idaho, resulting in the Warriors' first loss of Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) play and snapping a seven-match winning streak. After C of I was held to a negative attacking percentage in the first set, the Yotes (9-3, 3-2) stormed back to take 25-21, 25-22, and 25-22 set scores on their home court over the Warriors (10-2, 4-1).
"We came in strong in the first set and they simply outplayed us at the net in the next three sets," explained Corban head coach Kim McLain. "College of Idaho out-blocked us and made it tough to get anything going offensively. We needed to serve tougher and get them out of system to give our defense a better chance to respond and then in turn, run our offense efficiently."
It was all Warriors in the opening set, as their offense was unstoppable with 11 kills and just three errors (.320) while they held C of I to 12 errors and seven kills at the net for a -.156 kill percentage. The Navy and Gold forced the Yotes into making numerous errors at the service line, in the backcourt, and in system offensively for what was a runaway set following Corban's 7-0 run midway through the period.
However, the solace of handling the No. 12-ranked team in the country with ease on their home court didn't last for long, with C of I flipping the script on the Warriors in the very next set and in front of a raucous crowd, were able to flip the momentum that saw Corban commit a handful of unforced errors that they were never able to recover from. The Yotes built sizeable leads through the second, third, and fourth sets to pick up their second victory over a top three national program this season alone.
Senior opposite hitter Makayla Roginski led both teams offensively with 13 kills while pitching in five block assists for a well-rounded performance at the net for Corban. Both junior outside hitters Kendra Bittle and Emma Bischoff added eight kills apiece, while redshirt sophomore opposite hitter Taylor Keiser led the team in kill percentage with seven kills and just three errors. 41 assists were dealt out between senior setter Abby Guindy and junior setter Nadeiah Howard with 24 and 17, respectively.
Junior libero Kaile'a Ontai continues to outwork opponents in the backcourt, as she dug up 22 balls and dished out three dimes along the way. With seven block assists, senior middle blocker Gracie Boeder was the Warriors' top defensive performer at the net.
The Yotes were led to victory by their middle blocking duo of Abigail Flerchinger and Cora Young, who were responsible for 20 combined kills and 14 block assists while each converting on at least 30% of their attacks. Libero Liza Montalbo secured 19 digs while all-around setter Shaynee McWilliams led the field with 41 assists.
Tomorrow evening, the No. 3-ranked Warriors will attempt to hand the No. 1-ranked team in the NAIA, the Mountaineers of Eastern Oregon University (13-0, 5-0), their first loss of the season in one of the best matchups across the country to date this season at 5pm inside Quinn Coliseum.
Follow Corban Athletics:
Facebook l Twitter (X) l Instagram l YouTube l Email
