(Lakewood, WA) – The Devils got off to a slow start and dropped their first two sets at the NWAC Championships. Despite coming back to win set three and getting a lead in set four, the season came to an end. Like they did all season, the Devils didn't go down without a fight.
The Yakima Valley Yaks volleyball team earned a big win to open the NWAC Volleyball Championship Elite 8, defeating Lower Columbia in four sets (25-17, 26-24, 23-25, 26-24) on Friday November 17 at Pierce College.
Apart from an eight-point set one victory, the final three sets were all played very tightly, with each team winning by just two points. The Yaks leaned on the hitting trio of Ana Hrle (12 kills), Kaylee Wheeler (11 kills) and McKenna Steiner (10 kills) to spread the ball around and keep the fast Lower Columbia defense moving.
Lower Columbia's
Kate Johnson gave the Yaks everything they could handle in what turned out to be her final match in an LCC uniform. Johnson paced all players with 18 kills and a .349 hitting percentage.
Kate Onespot-Danforth played everywhere for LCC with 26 assists, 17 digs, six kills and two block assists.
Madi Noel had 20 digs for the Red Devils while
Paige Chinchen added 17 with 11 kills.
Alex Tinsley had 20 assists and eight digs.
Yakima valley ended up third in the NWAC as they defeated Highline in the consolation game. Linn Benton capped off an undefeated season by defeating North Idaho in the final match 3-1. The Road Runners have won three straight NWAC championships.
With six outstanding sophomores closing out their LCC careers, the Devils will have to reload for next season. Johnson, Chinchen, Onespot-Danforth, Tinsley,
Kambree Baker and
Brooke Parsons all contributed to another great LCC season.
Kate Johnson's added one last accolade to her career at LCC earning a spot on the NWAC All-Tournament 2nd Team with her outstanding play.
Noel,
Samantha Farland,
Kendal Collins,
Payton Torrey and
Cheyenne Wetlesen will take over leadership roles. The Devils also look forward to the return of
Morgan Garrison who suffered a serious knee injury before the start of the season.
