THATCHER, Ariz. — Eastern Arizona College will host Snow College tonight in the Rocky Mountain B District Championship at Guitteau Gymnasium. The winner advances to the NJCAA National Tournament.
Eastern Arizona enters the match with a 24-6 overall record and an 18-match winning streak. The Gila Monsters went 13-0 in ACCAC play and have not lost at home this season.
Sophomore outside hitter Addison Hinckley was named the ACCAC Division I Player of the Year and the Region I Tournament Most Valuable Player. Hinckley leads EAC with 3.26 kills per set and 425.5 total points. Sophomore libero Kambria Maloy, the ACCAC Division I Defensive Player of the Year, anchors the back row and averages 4.11 digs per set.
Middle blocker Hannah Pushckor has been a key contributor at the net, averaging 1.32 blocks per set and hitting .332 on the year. Rylee Pitney provides additional strength on the right side, while setters Nayomi Toilolo and Marli Lopeman share duties in running the Gila Monsters’ balanced offense.
Head coach Shari Kay, named the ACCAC Division I Coach of the Year, has guided EAC to one of its strongest seasons in program history. Kay, a member of the NJCAA Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach, has led the Gila Monsters to consistent success through disciplined play and strong defensive identity.
Snow College enters the championship with a 13-14 record after finishing 6-4 in the Scenic West Athletic Conference. The Badgers defeated College of Southern Idaho in the Region 18 semifinals before falling to Salt Lake Community College in the title match.
Sophomore outside hitter Aleah McDaniel leads Snow with 3.16 kills per set and 46 service aces, while Cami Christiansen adds 2.42 kills per set and a .243 hitting percentage. Setter Ema Thompson directs the offense with 6.33 assists per set.
First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Guitteau Gymnasium in Thatcher.
