EUGENE, Ore. – After nine straight matches on the road to open the season, the NCU Volleyball team finally played before their home crowd on Friday night. Unfortunately, the raucous environment wasn't enough to push the Beacons back into the win column, falling to The College of Idaho in four sets, 25-21, 25-13, 23-25, 25-13.
 
Head Coach Kelly Pitre said, "It took us a long time to warm up and get ourselves going tonight and that is something we've been mindful of after we got behind early against SOU and OIT last weekend. We made it a point this week in practice to start strong instead of having to play catch up, but it's been an up and down battle for us. Until we can figure out how to stay consistent, we won't be able to show off the great team that I know we have."
 
The Beacons fell behind early in the first two sets and weren't able to find a rhythm. They came out of the locker room ready for set three, however, leading wire-to-wire as they forced six Yote errors and pulled out the two-point win. "We came out and finally stopped giving up the big runs in the third set," said Pitre. "That was the best that we have looked against a tough opponent this year and it was great to see some signs of where I think we can be this year."
 
College of Idaho reminded everyone why they are receiving votes in the NAIA national coaches' poll, however, handily taking the fourth and final set to claim the match. Coach Pitre said, "They have a very impressive block, with a setter that can put up the ball well to her middles. We just couldn't stop them tonight."
 
The Yotes (4-7, 2-1 CCC) finished the night hitting .252 along with eight blocks and seven service aces. Randi Sturtz led the way with 12 kills, adding five blocks. Jackie van Vliet posted a dominant night at the net with six blocks and a .500 hitting percentage. Sierra Porter led all players with 22 assists and Cheyan Coburn posted a match-high with four service aces. Libero Kilee Lopez added 18 digs for the victors.
 
NCU (7-3, 0-3 CCC) was led on offense by Danielle Willyard, collecting seven kills with a match-high .278 hitting clip. Chandler Gabrio and Kayla Ping added six kills apiece with Gabrio also contributing three blocks. Laurie Salness led the team with 18 assists while Haley Damian (pictured) and Sydney Rothenbush each had team-highs with 12 digs.
 
The Beacons will be back in action at 5 pm on Saturday when they welcome in the No. 8 team in the NAIA, Eastern Oregon University (10-0, 3-0). The Mounties were 3-0 winners over Corban on Friday night.
 
The C of I will trade places with their travel partner, heading to Salem to take on Corban at 5 pm.