MOUNT VERNON, WA – The Lower Columbia Red Devils volleyball team faced a hard-fought battle on the road Wednesday, ultimately falling to the Skagit Valley Cardinals in a five-set thriller. Despite a powerful performance from their top hitters and a commanding presence at the net, the Red Devils couldn't secure the final points, losing the match 2-3 (25-19, 21-25, 25-16, 14-25, 13-15).

The match was a game of runs, with the Red Devils showcasing both their potential and their challenges. They dominated the first and third sets, controlling the court with efficient offense and sharp serving. Claire Neuman was a force, leading the team with 16 kills and an impressive five solo blocks. Kendall Humphrey added another 13 kills, proving to be a consistent threat on the outside.

However, the Cardinals responded with determination in the second and fourth sets, exploiting the Red Devils' hitting errors to even the score. The momentum shifted with each set, making for a tense and unpredictable match.

The final set was a nail-biter. Both teams traded points, with neither willing to give an inch. Skagit Valley's offense found its rhythm late, hitting for a strong .308 percentage in the tiebreaker. While the Red Devils fought until the end, the Cardinals capitalized on key plays to close out the set 15-13 and secure the home victory.

Setter Karissa Otterstetter guided the Red Devils' offense with 35 assists, and libero Kamryn Sande anchored the back row with 15 digs.

While the result was not what they hoped for, the Red Devils showed resilience and flashes of brilliance in the face of a strong opponent. This tough road test will provide valuable experience as they continue their season.

Next up for the Red Devils is a rare 1:00 pm home match vs the Umpqua Riverhawks on Monday, September 8.