North Idaho Reaches 1st-Ever NWAC Finals with Defeat of Yakima Valley in 4 Sets

LAKEWOOD, Wash. - The North Idaho Cardinals continued their impressive season with a four-set victory over Yakima Valley on Saturday in the NWAC Volleyball Championship semifinals at Pierce College.

The Cardinals extended their winning streak to 26 matches as they improved their overall record to 32-1, defeating their division rival Yakima Valley for the third time this season. The Cardinals were led on Saturday by their pair of sophomore middle blockers in Abigail Beaton and Rylee Hartwig, who combined for 25 kills and just two errors. Beaton led the team with 15 kills and a .583 hitting percentage, while Hartwig finished with 10 kills and a .450 hitting percentage. Jessica Stires was also impressive from the outside with 12 kills and a .346 attack percentage. Setter Karolyne Wolfgramm was orchestrating the offense with 46 assists while Omayra Valle made tough plays on the back line with 19 digs.

North Idaho was able to pull away late in a close first set to win 25-18 and go ahead 1-0. The Yaks won a thrilling second set 26-24 to give them life in the match. However, the Cardinals answered back with a pair of convincing set wins 25-15 and 25-17 to claim the match.

The Yaks were led by McKenna Steiner who had 13 kills and a .313 hitting percentage. Kaylee Wheeler had 10 kills. Brynn Widner led the team with 18 digs while Hayley Pyrah put up 20 assists and Jessica Mariscal had 18 assists, 11 digs and seven kills. Ana Hrle finished with four block assists to lead all players.

Yakima Valley will come back on Sunday and play Highline in the third place match at 12 p.m. The Cardinals move onto their first NWAC Championship match and will face undefeated Linn-Benton at 3 p.m. The Roadrunners swept the Cardinals in a preseason tournament for their only loss of the season.

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