Just when you thought you were rid of me!

Sorry to miss last week, had to run out of town for some vacation, and a trip north to watch my alma mater — the Idaho Vandals — beat Colorado State.

So, after being recharged, I'm back and ready to rant. But what could I possibly have to rant about, your wonder?

Well, I did hit a NNU volleyball match on Thursday and watched another one of my former schools, Alaska Fairbanks. I spent almost two years as a Nanook, back in my hometown of Fairbanks. It's a school that holds some fond memories for me, and my family, as my mom worked there and received an honorary doctorate from the school.

So, yes, I always want to see the Nanooks do well, as NNU coach Jared Sliger knows, and he was nice enough to apologize to me after his team routed UAF.

That's OK coach, I'd rather write about you winning than see the Nanooks beat the Crusaders!

Aside from that silliness, I was very impressed with Becky Flores. The freshman middle slipped my notice in previous matches — easy to do with Lindsay Grant and Cammy Dranginis staring most of the time — but Thursday she stood out with her hitting and blocking. Yes, she's started all 21 matches for NNU, but she really seems to be an impact player and one the Crusaders can — and will for a long time — rely on.

I'm also willing to go out on a limb and pick the Crusaders winning their way into nationals. This week they were ranked No. 9 in the first West Region poll, but I just think they'll climb. They won some big matches at the start of the season against the California conference schools, and tonight play a huge match against Alaska Anchorage. The Seawolves are No. 7 in the poll, so I am sure a win will vault NNU into the top 8 in the region, and a postseason spot.

Yes, there's plenty of season to go, but the only other big hurdle will be UAA once again, in Alaska in November. A potential winner-take-all match with nationals at stake, I'll go ahead and be a homer — Nampa homer that is — and pick the Crusaders to get that win, too.

Out on another limb

OK, this one is a big, fat limb, but I'll go ahead and do it.

The College of Idaho volleyball team will win the Cascade Conference and make Nationals.

Before I go on, first let me ad a congrats to coach Liz Mendiola on career win No. 200 on Friday over Corban. She took over a very strong program and made it into a national power, so the honor of this milestone is a well-deserved one.

Now back to my regularly scheduled rant.

Last week, the Yotes fell into what seems like a deadlock with now-No. 12 Southern Oregon, losing at the Raiders place in five games.

It leaves both teams with one league loss, and I think almost everyone predicts both to end the season that same way.

The teams split their head-to-head meetings, and they both won in five games, so all the tie-breakers are a wash, right?

Well, turns out the Yotes have the fourth tie-breaker, games won and lost against league foes — the C of I has a four-game edge.

That's my prediction, the Yoets will maintain that edge and win the league, and host the conference tournament. Not only that, but I pick them to win the conference tournament as the Yotes are almost unstoppable at home, and a berth to nationals.

Unfortunately for C of I fans, if I'm right, it means the Yotes will go unbeaten, remain a top 10 team in the polls, and earn an automatic berth to pool play at nationals.

Unfortunate?

Yes, as Yote fans won't get to see the C of I play a first-round home match like last year. A good thing, though, as the school had to pony up a few grand to host.

Yes, it was a great atmosphere for fans, and it also offered a family reunion between Mendiola and her uncle, Menlo coach Bill Imwalle.

So, I guess I am saying, Coyote fans can book their tickets for Sioux City, Iowa. Ah, no refunds if I'm wrong!

C of I slips up

What? Two league losses?

That's right, after an unbeaten run through the Cascade Conference a year ago, the College of Idaho men's soccer team got swept last weekend, and now is looking up from third place in the standings at Concordia and Warner Pacific.

Both schools have 21 points — 3 points awarded for a win, 1 for a tie — and the Yotes just 16.

Not a bad thing, though, as the Yotes look in prime position to secure a playoff berth and then make a run at nationals. They'd need to win the league's postseason tournament to do just that, but there's a benefit to the setbacks.

Last season, going unbeaten left the C of I with a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" attitude. Problem was, Concordia figured out the Yotes and grabbed the tourney title, and the berth to nationals.

This year, there's room to improve, and the Yotes also look to be underdogs, maybe a combination that will benefit them in the postseason.

ON the ladies side, Corban snapped the C of I's eight-game win streak.

Disappointing only in the fact it puts the two teams in a tie for second in league with 15 points, as the Coyotes look to grab a spot first-round bye and a home game in the semifinals of the postseason tournament.

And with Corban already having played league favorite Concordia —yes, the Warriors lost the the Cavaliers — it gives Corban a bit of an edge on the C of I. The Yotes play at Concordia next Friday.

Still, the Yotes know they need to beat the Cavaliers to get to nationals, now they get a chance to do it and potential grab the league's regular-season title.

Rivalry alert

If you hadn't checked the schedules, the College of Idaho and Northwest Nazarene volleyball teams face off for the second time this season on Tuesday.

It's sue to be a great match, featuring the No. 1-ranked defense in the NCAA Division II in NNU — which avergaes over 19 digs per game — against a potent Coyotes offense. An offense that likely would be among the nations leaders in kills if only it were tested more by it's league rivals.

No doubt the Crusaders defense will test the Yotes in what should be a classic matchup in this rivalry, especially as both teams feature some enthusiastic fans.

It's sure to be a can't-miss evening.