CALDWELL, Idaho – The College of Idaho women's basketball team opened its 2026-27 campaign on a winning note Friday afternoon, overcoming a third-quarter deficit to defeat Montana Western 71-65 in the opening game of the Caldwell Classic at Elgin Baylor Arena.
The Yotes (1-0) showcased a balanced offensive attack, with four players scoring in double figures, while a strong fourth-quarter performance helped secure the season-opening victory. After trailing by three entering the final period, College of Idaho outscored the Bulldogs 22-13 over the final 10 minutes to complete the comeback.
Rachel Jones provided a spark off the bench, leading the Yotes with a team-high 15 points in just 18 minutes of action. Jones connected on five of her 10 field-goal attempts, including two three-pointers, and was a perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line.
Lainee Houillon followed closely with 14 points, four rebounds, two assists and a game-high three steals. Riley Beck and Kylie Waltermeyer each added 13 points to round out the Yotes' double-digit scorers. Beck delivered one of the most efficient shooting performances of the afternoon, converting six of her eight attempts from the field, while Waltermeyer contributed five rebounds.
College of Idaho came out strong in the opening quarter, establishing an early advantage behind a 16-10 scoring edge. The Bulldogs found their offensive rhythm in the second period, putting up 20 points, but the Yotes continued to answer offensively with 18 of their own to carry a 34-30 lead into halftime.
Momentum shifted following the break as Montana Western began to close the gap. The Bulldogs produced their highest-scoring quarter of the contest in the third, outscoring College of Idaho 22-15 to erase the halftime deficit and take a 52-49 advantage heading into the fourth.
Facing a three-point deficit with 10 minutes remaining, the Yotes responded with their strongest quarter of the game. College of Idaho increased its offensive production while tightening up defensively, limiting Montana Western to just 13 fourth-quarter points. The 22-13 scoring advantage in the final frame proved to be the difference, allowing the Yotes to regain control and secure the six-point victory.
Despite shooting 36.2 percent from the field, College of Idaho found success from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line. The Yotes connected on nine three-pointers, shooting 34.6 percent from deep, while converting 12 of 14 free-throw attempts for an impressive 85.7 percent.
Ball security also played a significant role in the victory. College of Idaho committed just seven turnovers compared to Montana Western's 14, helping offset the Bulldogs' 41-28 advantage on the boards. The Yotes also recorded 10 assists and five steals in the contest.
Anna Mooney contributed nine points and a team-high four assists while playing 34 minutes. Otter Agnew added five points, two assists and a steal off the bench, while Brooke Beresford chipped in two points and four rebounds.
Montana Western (3-1) was led by Bailee Sayler, who finished with 14 points and eight rebounds. Kyle Pancost added 13 points and seven rebounds, while Marisa Snyder provided 13 points off the bench, connecting on three shots from beyond the arc. Maile Wilcox also reached double figures with 10 points.
The Bulldogs finished shooting 35.9 percent from the field and 30 percent from three-point range. Although Montana Western held the advantage on the glass, the Yotes' balanced scoring, efficient free-throw shooting and fourth-quarter defensive effort ultimately secured the victory.
The win gives College of Idaho a 1-0 start to the season as the Yotes look to build momentum during their opening weekend at home.
Up Next: College of Idaho will return to Elgin Baylor Arena on Saturday, October 31, to face Montana Tech in the second game of the Caldwell Classic. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.