LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Corban women's volleyball team delivered a statement victory on Friday night, defeating No. 1-ranked Eastern Oregon University 3-1 on the Mounties' home court. The No. 5 Warriors took the first two sets, 25-14 and 25-16, before Eastern Oregon retaliated with a 25-16 win in the third. Corban responded under pressure in the fourth set, closing out a tight 28-26 victory to hand the Mountaineers their first loss of the season and end their program-best run atop the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) standings.
Corban women's volleyball head coach Kim McLain praised her team's effort and response under pressure after the Warriors' win over Eastern Oregon. "I can't say enough about this team and the work they continue to put in each day! Going into Eastern Oregon's gym and coming away with a win is something to be proud of," McLain said. She was especially pleased with how the team responded after dropping the third set. "After letting our focus slip in the third set, I loved how we responded in the fourth, staying composed and battling one point at a time."
McLain also pointed to the team's blocking as a key factor in the victory. "Our blocking was a difference-maker tonight, especially in the moments we needed it most." While proud of the team's performance, she knows there is still room to improve. "I'm incredibly proud of this team's fight, resilience, and determination. We know there is still work to be done, and I'm excited for the journey ahead as we continue to grow and get better every day!"
Corban (17-5, 10-3) got off to a strong start in the opening set, hitting .375 with 16 kills and just four errors. The Warriors put pressure on Eastern Oregon (23-1, 12-1) at the net and built a lead to take the first set 25-14. They kept things rolling in the second, recording 12 kills with only two errors while holding the Mountaineers to a .000 hitting percentage. Corban won the set 25-16 to take a 2-0 lead.
Eastern Oregon came out stronger in the third set and took advantage of Corban's offensive struggles. The Warriors finished with seven kills and eight errors as the Mountaineers found their rhythm and won 25-16 to keep the match going.
The fourth set was much closer, with both teams trading points throughout. Eastern Oregon tied the score at 24-24 to fend off a match point, putting pressure on Corban to close out the contest. Warriors' senior outside hitter Emma Bischoff came up with a key kill late, and senior outside hitter Kendra Bittle and junior middle blocker Gracee Robertson helped finish the job as the Warriors pulled out a 28-26 win. The victory gave No. 5 Corban a major win on the road against the top-ranked Mountaineers, who entered the match with a 23-0 record.
Corban was led offensively by Bischoff, who recorded a team-high 15 kills, added four service aces, and finished with a match-best 13 digs for a strong all-around performance and her eleventh double-double outing of the season. Freshman opposite hitter Greta Van Gemert contributed 13 kills while hitting an efficient .391, while Bittle added 10 kills and hit .320. At the net, freshman middle blocker Eliana Klos led the Warriors with seven total blocks, while junior opposite hitter Lauryn Copeland added six blocks as Corban established a decisive advantage in that category. The Warriors finished with 13 total blocks compared to Eastern Oregon's six, a major factor in slowing the Mountaineers' attack as a program that has made their mark both regionally and nationally in their aggressive net play.
Senior setter Nadeiah Howard and redshirt freshman setter Braeleigh MacAskill combined for 43 assists, distributing the ball throughout Corban's offense. The Warriors also finished with 45 digs and six service aces, helping them maintain pressure on the top-ranked Mountaineers throughout the four-set contest.
Eastern Oregon was led by Keira Vaughn, who recorded a match-high 21 kills while hitting .311. Akylah Kaino added nine kills, while Brooke Womack finished with eight kills, two service aces, and 10 digs. Kate Stidham led the Mountaineers with 27 assists, and Jaycee Villastrigo added 11 digs.
Corban will look to carry its momentum into its next matchup against No. 8 College of Idaho (19-1, 12-1) tomorrow in Caldwell, Idaho. The Warriors will have another tough test on the road as they look to build on their win over the top-ranked Mountaineers and continue their push in the CCC standings. First serve is scheduled for 3pm PT/4pm MT.
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