FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 1
st, 2026
Portland, Ore.| The Warner Pacific University women's volleyball team returned home Thursday evening to host the College of Idaho in conference action. The Knights continued to battle throughout the match and pushed the Yotes to the limit in the final set, but ultimately fell in straight sets, 25-13, 25-17, 25-23.
College of Idaho established control in the opening set, using an efficient offensive attack to create separation and take the frame, 25-13. Warner Pacific continued to compete in the second set, finding more opportunities offensively, but the Yotes maintained their advantage and took a 2-0 match lead with a 25-17 victory.
The Knights responded with their strongest performance of the evening in the third set. Warner Pacific went toe-to-toe with College of Idaho throughout the frame and remained within striking distance down the stretch. The Yotes ultimately held off the Knights' late push, narrowly taking the set, 25-23, to secure the match.
Tayah-Anne Toa led the Warner Pacific attack with a team-high eight kills while adding five digs.
Daisci Burrows contributed five kills, seven digs and five assists, while
Amor Rapoza directed the Knights' offense with a team-high 12 assists to go along with three kills and four digs.
Defensively,
Maya Moreno recorded seven digs, tying Burrows for the team lead. At the net,
Josie Schultz turned in an efficient performance, hitting .500 with two kills while adding a solo block and a block assist.
College of Idaho was led offensively by Addison McKarcher, who recorded a match-high 10 kills while hitting .769 and adding three block assists. Cora Young finished with nine kills on a .400 hitting percentage, while Julia Baird added seven kills without an attacking error. Shaynee McWilliams recorded 14 assists, Whitney Pierzga added 11, and Avery Lewis led the Yotes defensively with eight digs.
As a team, Warner Pacific finished the evening with 23 kills, 20 assists, four service aces and 27 digs. Following the match, Warner Pacific head coach Nerisa Laban praised her team's effort and pointed to the performance as another sign of the program's continued progress.
"The girls fought really hard today, and I am super proud of them. They knew the challenge ahead was daunting, but they were up for the task and didn't lay down. This game shows just how far this program has come in a short time. We have another tough task on Saturday, but I know the girls will show the same fight and determination to compete that they did tonight," Laban said.
Next Up
Warner Pacific will remain at home for another challenging conference matchup when the Knights host No. 1-ranked Eastern Oregon University on Saturday. First serve is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the C.C. Perry Gym/Fitness Center.
