CALDWELL, Idaho – On a Tuesday night at JAAC in Caldwell, Idaho, No. 1 Eastern Oregon snapped the College of Idaho’s five-match winning streak in a commanding effort. With a final scoreline of 25-18, 25-22, 25-22, the Mountaineers illustrated why they are currently the top team in the NAIA.
In the first set, Eastern Oregon overcame an early deficit, hitting .267 to secure a 25-18 win. The second set was fiercely contested, with College of Idaho initially leading, but EOU clinched a 25-22 victory after multiple lead changes. In the third set, the Yotes took an early lead and later tied the game at 22. However, EOU responded with consecutive kills and sealed the victory with successive kills from Ashton Haughton. The Mountaineers ultimately emerged victorious in the closely fought match.
With a season record now standing at an impressive 13-1 overall and 6-1 in the CCC, the Mountaineers displayed an effective offense, hitting at a rate of .169. Leading the charge were the dynamic trio of Ashton Haughton, Sade Williams and Keira Vaughn. Haughton and WIlliams registered 12 kills each, while Vaughn closely followed with a contribution of 11 kills.
On the opposite side of the net, the Yotes found it challenging to break through the Mountaineers defense. Standing at 5-2 in the CCC after this encounter, College of Idaho saw notable performances from Shelbey Nichol and Haley McUne. Nichol led the Yotes’ offensive efforts with seven kills, while McUne’s defensive efforts stood out, tallying 16 digs.
The Mounties will return to Quinn Coliseum this Friday when they take on Walla Walla University at 2 p.m.
