Battling through adversity has been a central theme of the 2018 Lower Columbia College volleyball team.

Add another chapter.

Playing just hours after being bedridden with a serious case of strep, some call it scarlet fever, Cassidy Thompson of the Red Devils answered the call. She showed up at the Tacoma Convention Center and helped the Devils defeat Shoreline 3-1 in the opening match of the NWAC Volleyball Championships.

Thompson was so sick that she missed the pre-tournament banquet and most believed she would miss at least the first match.  But after treatment and as much rest as possible, Thompson showed what the fighting spirit is all about.  She had five kills and 20 digs obviously playing without her normal energy.

LCC was led by a player who also knows what it's like to push through.  Megan Miller, who underwent surgery last spring to remove a cancerous tumor near her thyroid, was outstanding against Shoreline.  Miller had 17 kills and three blocks.  Her kill clinched the pivotal third set and spurred the Devils on to victory.

Ashlynn Cantwell had nine kills and 15 digs for the Devils.

There were plenty of folks working hard in the back as Haley Paul had 24 digs and Maddie Stimmel added 17 digs.

Macey Wright had 37 assists running the offense.

LCC had 14 service aces, led by Thompson's five.

The win allows Thompson and the rest of the Red Devils to get some much needed rest as they will return to the floor against the lone unbeaten team in the NWAC Spokane Friday at 10 am.  Spokane ran its record to 36-0 with a first round sweep over Clark. LCC lost to Spokane 25-16, 25-23 at the NWAC Fall Festival back on August 26th.

Lower Columbia will have two matches on Friday.  If they spring the upset over Spokane, they would play Friday at 6:30 pm.  If they lose to the Sasquatch, they will play Friday afternoon at 3 pm.