SIOUX CITY, Iowa — The College of Idaho dropped its opening match of NAIA Pool Play on Wednesday, falling in straight sets to No. 6 seed Providence (Mont.) 30–28, 25–20, 25–13 at the Tyson Events Center.
The Yotes (19-11) came out poised, challenging the 33-2 Argos with one of their most balanced opening sets of the season. College of Idaho hit .208 in the first frame, spread its offense effectively and generated timely blocks to stay even through extended play. The Yotes held multiple late leads before Providence closed the set on a narrow run, then steadily gained control behind a .233 hitting percentage and 28 block assists. College of Idaho finished at .074 overall after being limited to six kills in the third set.
Mia Hutchinson powered the Yotes with 10 kills and added a solo block and a block assist, while Brooke Garman provided nine kills and a team-high seven digs among front-row players. Abigail Flerchinger chipped in six kills, three block assists and seven digs in one of her most active two-way outings of the season. Alexa Wheeler added three block assists, and libero Kadence Boyd anchored the defense with a team-best 12 digs. Setters Shaynee McWilliams and Madeline Lee combined for 28 assists, helping the Yotes stay organized against one of the NAIA's most efficient defensive teams.
College of Idaho continues pool play Thursday at 3:30 p.m. MT against Mt. Vernon Nazarene. Depending on results across the group, the Yotes may have to wait until Friday to learn their postseason fate.