TItans go 2-2 in opening weekend North Region Challenge
# North Region Challenge
Tacoma CC had a mixed performance during the North Region Challenge at Bellevue College, competing in four matches against various opponents.
In their opening match, Tacoma swept Wenatchee Valley 3-0 with set scores of 26-23, 25-14, and 25-19. The Titans showcased a strong start, highlighted by a .700 hitting percentage in the first set. Tacoma quickly gained an advantage with impressive plays, notably a service ace by Haylee Taveres-Gernler. Rasheeda Gordon and Emilia Linden were pivotal in maintaining momentum, contributing multiple kills, while Kylee Harris provided several assists. A key moment came when Kelli English served four consecutive aces, leading to Tacoma's first set victory.
In the second set, Tacoma continued their dominance, led by Taveres's service ace and Linden's strong service game, which included four aces. They turned a 4-1 deficit into a 25-18 win, thanks to kills from Irish Wilkison and Linden, assisted by Curtis and Tavares-Gernler. The third set saw Tacoma quickly establish dominance, with contributions from Leilah Lemalu and English extending the lead to 9-3. They maintained their advantage throughout, finishing with a 25-19 victory, sealed by a service ace from Taveres.
Linden had an outstanding performance with 16 kills on 20 attempts, achieving a .750 hitting percentage, five service aces, and a total of 22 points. English added five service aces and 11 assists, while Taveres made a significant impact with four aces. Gordon also excelled with a .750 hitting percentage, seven kills, and two blocks. For Wenatchee, Marley led with 11 kills and a .562 hitting percentage, while Ivana added eight kills and seven assists.
In their second match, Tacoma faced Spokane and was defeated 3-1 with scores of 25-20, 18-25, 29-27, 25-18. Tacoma began strongly in the first set with early kills from Tavares-Gernler and Curtis, supported by Harris's assists. A 5-0 run by Tacoma highlighted their competitive edge, but Spokane closed the set 25-20 with key plays from Amanda Naipo.
In the second set, Tavares-Gernler excelled with four service aces, helping Tacoma rally from a deficit to win 25-18. The third set was tightly contested, ending in a close 29-27 loss for Tacoma, with Harris contributing multiple assists. The fourth set started well for Tacoma, but Spokane regained control, finishing 25-18. Linden led Tacoma with 10 kills and nine blocks, while Tavares-Gernler delivered an impressive seven aces.
Tacoma then faced Rogue, winning decisively 3-0 with scores of 25-15, 25-23, and 25-12. Emilia Linden again shone with 13 kills and a .667 hitting percentage, four aces, and two blocks. Mircea Campos contributed defensively with 19 digs, while Kylee Harris facilitated the offense with 31 assists and three kills. Leilah Lemalu added 10 kills and three aces. Rogue's Danica Becerril led her team with 11 kills and a .320 hitting percentage.
In a thrilling five-set match against Treasure Valley, Tacoma fell short, losing 21-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-12, 15-11. Kylee Harris was instrumental with 44 assists and 20 digs, while Lemalu collected 36 digs and 14 kills. Linden contributed 13 kills and two blocks, and Tavares-Gernler recorded a team-high 28 digs. Treasure Valley's Kynnsington Bandley led her team with four service aces and 17 points, showcasing her impact in the match.
Go Titans!