Staff Reports
THATCHER – In a display of sheer dominance, the Eastern Arizona College women’s volleyball team dismantled Central Arizona College 3-0 on Wednesday night inside Guitteau Gymnasium, clinching the NJCAA Division I Region 1 Championship and punching their ticket to the District Finals. The Lady Monsters, riding a wave of postseason momentum, dispatched the Vaqueros in straight sets: 25-20, 25-13, and 25-13, extending their unbeaten streak in conference and regional play.
From the opening serve, EAC set the tone with a balanced attack and suffocating defense, outpacing Central Arizona in every significant statistical category. The Lady Monsters tallied 39 kills on 96 attacks with just 16 errors, boasting a .240 hitting percentage that kept the Vaqueros on their heels. Their net presence was equally formidable, racking up 19 total blocks (3 solo, 16 assisted) to go with 5 service aces and 53 digs, resulting in a commanding 55.0 points overall.
Leading the charge was standout outside hitter Addison Hinckley, who erupted for 12 kills on 26 attempts (including 6 errors) while adding 2 aces, 12 digs, and a block assist for a match-high 14.5 points. Hinckley’s versatility was on full display, anchoring both the offense and the back row. Fellow All-Conference honoree Cale Torgerson complemented Hinckley’s fireworks with 9 kills, 1 ace, 7 digs, and 2 block assists, contributing 11.0 points in a gritty performance on 23 attacks. Middle blocker Hannah Pushckor terrorized the Vaqueros at the net, notching 7 kills, 2 solo blocks, and 7 assisted blocks for 12.5 points—her rejection game proving pivotal in the lopsided middle sets. Elisa Saunders rounded out the kill leaders with 6 on 18 swings and 3 block assists, while libero Kambria Maloy scooped up a team-high 19 digs to thwart any Central Arizona rallies.
Setter Nayomi Toilolo orchestrated the offense with 19 assists and 2 aces, paired with 9 digs, as Marli Lopeman chipped in 10 assists and a kill. Lilian Harper added defensive flair with 1 solo block and 1 assist for 3.5 points. The collective effort underscored EAC’s depth, a hallmark of their undefeated 12-0 ACCAC regular season.
This championship triumph caps a banner year for the Lady Monsters, who have dominated postseason accolades. Eastern Arizona College’s women’s volleyball team swept the honors following their flawless 2025 conference campaign. Coach Shari Kay earned ACCAC Division I Coach of the Year after steering EAC to the conference title. On the floor, Addison Hinckley, Cale Torgerson, and Kambria Maloy landed First Team All-Conference nods, while Hannah Pushckor, Riley Pitney, and Nayomi Toilolo made the Second Team. Hinckley, Torgerson, Maloy, and Pushckor also garnered All-Region recognition. Hinckley shone brightest, claiming ACCAC Player of the Year and NJCAA All-American status, while Maloy was tabbed ACCAC Libero of the Year, and Torgerson joined the All-American ranks.
With the Region 1 crown secured, EAC now sets its sights on the Rocky Mountain B District Championship on Monday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. MST in Thatcher. Their opponent remains TBA, pending the outcome of the parallel Region bracket, but the Lady Monsters enter as heavy favorites, hungry to extend their magical run toward nationals. Fans, mark your calendars—this squad shows no signs of slowing down.
