CALDWELL, Idaho — College of Idaho charged into the NAIA Women's Volleyball National Championship final site with a straight-set sweep of Bethel College (Kan.) on Saturday night, taking the Opening Round match 25-19, 25-22, 25-13 at the J.A. Albertson Activities Center.
The Yotes (19-10) controlled the match behind a balanced offense and timely serving, earning their spot in Sioux City, Iowa, where pool play begins Dec. 3. The night also featured a milestone moment for junior outside hitter Alexa Wheeler, who recorded her 500th career kill.
Brooke Garman powered the Yotes with 13 kills on 27 swings, while Abigail Flerchinger hit a blistering .562 with 10 kills and five blocks. Cierra Bohrn and Mia Hutchinson added seven kills apiece as the Yotes hit .235 collectively. Setter Shaynee McWilliams directed the offense with 17 assists, while Madeline Lee added 18 of her own.
College of Idaho gained control early, using a 10–4 run in the first set to build separation before closing it out 25–19. In the second frame, the Yotes held off a late Bethel push after the Threshers tied it at 17, responding with key kills from Garman and Flerchinger to finish the set.
The Yotes dominated the third, racing out to an 11–1 lead behind the serve of Kadence Boyd, who tallied four aces in the match. College of Idaho's block sealed Bethel's fate, out-blocking the Threshers 18–12 and holding them to a .021 attack percentage.
Cameron Offerle paced Bethel (23-11) with 10 kills but was limited to a .000 hitting percentage.
With the win, College of Idaho advances to Sioux City for the next stage of the national tournament, marking another postseason step for a young roster hitting its stride at the right time.