C of I Powers Past Warner Pacific
BOX SCORE
PORTLAND, Ore. – Nationally ranked College of Idaho powered to a three game sweep of Warner Pacific in Cascade Collegiate Conference volleyball action tonight at C.C. Perry Gym.
The host Knights were forced into numerous errors thanks to an off night in serve reception and a formidable block at the net from the NAIA #8 Coyotes. As a result, WPC showed only flashes of their offensive game and hit for a negative percentage on the night (-.009).
The Knights looked to make a good showing in set 1, and trailed just 12-14 after a ‘Yote service error. After a C of I sideout, Madie Machurek fired over seven jump serves that put the Knights on their heels and pushed the visitors lead out to 21-12. After trading points the rest of the way, set 1 belonged to C of I 25-15.
Set 2 was nearly a carbon copy of set 1. Warner Pacific trailed early, but was hanging tough at 8-11. This time it was Courtney Combe who toed the service line and helped the ‘Yotes to a 5-0 run that put the frame out of reach.
The final set did not begin well for Warner Pacific, falling behind 0-9 out of the gate. Energized by service aces from Leah Gradwohl and Michelle Egan the Knights woke up and outscored C of I 18-16 the rest of the way, but the early deficit was too great and the ‘Yotes finished the sweep with a 25-18 win.
Emily Damschen, Sam Kolakowski, and Gradwohl had 5 kills each to lead the Knights. Gradwohl also had 16 digs, followed by Caitlyn McCall with 12.
Kathryn Ely posted a match high 13 kills versus just 2 errors for College of Idaho. Maddie Machurek touched up 26 assists.
Warner Pacific drops to 5-5 overall and 1-3 in CCC play, while C of I improves to 8-1 and 5-0.
Conference play continues tomorrow night, with the Knights hosting Eastern Oregon, and C of I headed to Concordia. First serve for both is at 7pm.