CALDWELL, Idaho (BVM) – For the first time in the 2021 modified spring season, the College of Idaho volleyball team had fans in attendance on March 13. 

The Yotes had been waiting for fans inside the J.A. Albertson’s Activity Center since Nov. 12, 2019. With a turnout of 55 fans, it was well worth the wait when Division II opponent Westminster College (UT) came to Caldwell. 

“Having fans back is great,” Head Coach Liz Mendiola said. “It’s just so fun to welcome them back and have some bodies in the gym with us. It’s been a quiet year so it’s great to have a little bit of noise.”

The Griffins weren’t intimidated. Coming off a two game losing streak, Westminster capitalized on College of Idaho attack errors en route to a 3-0 win over the Yotes (25-18, 25-21, 33-31). 

Outside hitter Lydia Miller would get the Griffins going in the first set. Following a dig by Westminster’s Katana Montford, a pass by setter Bri Mortensen would help Miller spike the ball across the College of Idaho side of the net. This point would be the start of an early 5-0 Westminster run, with the Griffins taking an 11-6 lead. 

Two straight attack errors by the College of Idaho would help extend Westminster’s lead to 21-12. With all the momentum in the Griffin’s favor, things looked bleak for the Yotes.

But the Yotes didn’t let up. Led by junior setter Margie Beeler, a high pass at the net would set up a powerful spike by junior outside hitter Austyn Mauzy. With a team high 12 kills, Mauzy’s offensive presence proved to be pivotal against a tough Westminster side. 

“I just recently had surgery on my ankle in January and before [the game] I hadn’t really played for 10 months,” Mauzy said. “I think my positive thinking and mindset had a lot to do with how I was able to come out of an injury and get 12 kills.”

However, the run wouldn’t be enough. A spike by College of Idaho middle blocker Cameron Wallace would force Westminster libero Holland Vande Merwe low to the court for a point saving dig. This effort would highlight Vande Merwe’s game high 27 digs that helped the away team finish off the first set.

In set two, the Griffin’s dynamic offense would give them the early advantage. With Mortensen supplying the passes for Westminster, the Yote’s defense was constantly on their toes. 

Multiple spikes by the Griffins would force additional attack errors by the Yotes. Led by setter Katie Jacox, the Griffins would take control of the set with a 20-16 advantage. 

Following the four point deficit, Westminster looked to maintain the momentum and wrap up the second set. Despite the amount of errors given, the Yotes continued to stay resilient and battle through. 

With Mortensen setting up the ball at the net, a Jacox spike to the right side of the court looked to be another kill for Westminster. However, a sliding dig by junior libero Chloe Knudson would say otherwise. Even with their backs against the wall, the Yotes didn’t let past mistakes dictate their hussle throughout the game. 

“I feel as if the team did really well staying calm and not letting negative mistakes affect the way we play and our attitudes,” Mauzy said.

A kill down the middle of the court by Westminster’s Audrey Green would solidify set two. Down 2-0, the Yotes needed to band together if they were going to do some damage in set three. 

They did just that. Westminster tried to pull away early, but Beeler would counter the Griffins with important assists to Mauzy, Wallace and junior middle blocker Dani Neuman.

“Margie is a workhorse,” Neuman said. “She gets everything and is so good. In this game she worked her butt off.”

In a back and forth barnburner, Beeler’s 8 assists in the set would guide the Yotes to a 24-24 tie with the opposition. With a reignited energy in the crowd, the set went into a win-by-two situation.

The Yotes had the first three chances to win, but the Griffins were able to respond right back and tie the set. 

“That third set was hard, but we definitely picked it up,” Neuman said. “It was a good battle.”

Westminster also had three chances to win the set, but the Yotes showed resilience and matched the score themselves. 

“The fact that the team didn’t give up and kept on going through this set really does show we have what it takes to be a successful team,” Mauzy said.

However, two spikes from Westminster would take care of the set and the game. Even though the Yotes couldn’t win the third set, Coach Mendiola had high praise for the effort her team put in. 

“I was really proud of them,” Coach Mendiola said. “They got gritty and worked hard in the third set and fought to not give in.”

With non-conference games now in the rear view mirror, the Yotes look ahead to the final stretch of the regular season. Despite the loss to the Griffins, there were a lot of bright spots that the team can build off of. 

“Once we start being more confident and work harder on those little things we need to work on, we can be extremely successful,” Mauzy said. “Just a matter of time.”

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