Today's the first big day for the College of Idaho ladies.

Yep, the Cascade Conference women's soccer playoff begin at noon at Simplot Stadium — at least one of the two first-round games — and the Coyotes are looking for a win.

Win, and the C of I would host the biggest day in Coyote women's soccer history next weekend — the Cascade Conference title game at Simplot Stadium on Nov. 7, with the winner earning the league's automatic berth to the NAIA National Tournament.

While the C of I ladies have played in that title game, last year at Concordia, a win would be their biggest in program history.

But then, it's been a year of history for the C of I ladies — most wins in program history (13), most goals in a season (42 and counting), first regular-season league title, and first NAIA Top 25 as they made their debut at No. 22 this week.

Last week in this column I said they'd be ranked after knocking off then-No. 5 Concordia on the road.

So, why not another first — a trip to nationals?

But that's getting ahead of ourselves. First the Yotes must dispatch Oregon Tech today.

The C of I beat the Owls 2-0 in Oregon back at the start of the month, starting strong, getting a goal from Erika Mourtisen in the 36th minute, then holding on until Mandy Greif goal iced the win with 8:58 left.

No doubt, today's contest will be close as the Yotes hold the all-time edge at 7-3-3, but last year these two teams played to a 1-1 draw.

That's the worst result the Yotes have seen against the Owls since 2004, the last time Oregon Tech got the best for the C of I.

You can bet the Yotes would like to continue that streak today, and potential set up a title tilt with Concordia, which hosts Corban today's other first-round game.

And for those wondering, there is hope for the Yotes even if they don't win it all as there are six to seven at-large bids available for the national tournament.

Holding down a spot in the Top 25 could land the C of I one of those at-large spots, but they'd definitely need to win today to even be considered.

That's because their will be a poll released this Tuesday, following today's OIT contest, then again Nov. 10 before the at-large bids go out.

There's no telling what might happen in the rankings, but it's for sure an OIT win would send the Yotes spiraling downward.

Back in action

I know C of I volleyball coach Liz Mendiola isn't taking anything lightly as the regular season winds down, but it might look like it if you didn't know better.

Her No. 8 Coyote volleyball team sits tied with Southern Oregon for the Cascade Conference lead, but holds the tie-breaker to host the league's postseason tournament — set wins versus losses in league play. The C of I has a four set edge on the Raiders.

The Raiders have three matches left, and the C of I two.

Assuming both win out, the Yotes would need to go five sets in both their contests, with the Raiders sweeping their matches to force another tie-breaker.

Maybe a tall order, but still something to be considered.

Knowing Mendiola, she's plenty aware of those numbers, but also is taking advantage of her team's late-season opponents, who while still tough, aren't exactly the same as competing against SOU.

She rested Kathryn "Killer Kat" Ely for a few weeks, and last weekend sat setter Madie Machurek.

Almost like an NFL coach in preseason games, Mendiola continued to juggle her lineup Friday night against visiting Eastern Oregon.

Back came "Killer Kat" Ely to work some rust off, and Machurek also played. Also, College of Southern Idaho transfer Nathy Neres, slowed all season as she recovers from a knee injury, got the chance to play the front row.

Neres had a pair of kills, including the match winner, getting in some valuable experience before the postseason begins.

Machruek looked good after the rest with 18 assists and four service aces, and the playing time did Ely good, too, though she had just two kills and four hitting errors.

It truly looks like an NFL preseason schedule for the Yotes, as Mendiola gets her team rested, and ready, for what lies ahead.

NNU wraps up home slate

If you hoped to catch a Northwest Nazarene soccer game, better get out to the field today.

It's senior day at NNU, with the women hosting St. Martin's at noon and the men's entertaining the same school at 3 p.m.

It'll be the farewell game for Middleton product Molly Tipton for the ladies, while four men's players — featured earlier this week in the Idaho Press-Tribune will also be recognized for their contributions to the fledgling Crusader program. They are Joe Mangeac, Theron Fereday, Dane Manley and Alonso Avila.

Change of season

No doubt, with the cold temperatures rolling in — along with the wind and even snow on Thursday — NNU and C of I fans are asking the same questions: When does basketball start?

Well, fans, get ready as the season is here. By the time I write this column next week, the teams will have hit the court as the NNU women host their Canyon County rivals next Friday at 5:30 p.m.

That should appease some hoop fans, but if that's not enough, well, Tuesday, Nov. 10, the rivalry game is back, and this time it's a home-and-home affair.

Yep, the C of I men host the Crusaders at 7:05 in Caldwell that night — no longer will it be a one game and done evening at the Idaho Center. The rematch will be in the Crusaders gym on Dec. 8.

So get ready, it's time to tip-off some basketball.

On the air?

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that the College of Idaho basketball team got the plug pulled on its radio broadcast because of a lack of sponsors.

I just felt the need to remind folks, the Coyotes will not be on the air this season — unless of course enough money rolls in to pay for airtime. Sorry fans.

But for the Crusader faithful, never fear. While Friday — Oct. 30's — game at Utah State was not broadcast, it was only because of the high school football games in the area being given their chance.

The NNU men's hoop team will be on the air this season on KJNY 950 AM.