SPSCC secure win 3-1 in last night's game

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Tacoma faced South Puget Sound in a four-set match on Wednesday, falling 3-1 with set scores of 21-25, 19-25, 25-23, and 16-25. SPSCC capitalized on strong serving, recording 15 aces throughout the match.

The first set opened with Tacoma setting the pace as Irish Wilkison scored the initial point off a Kylee Harris assist. Despite this, SPSCC responded, taking an early 3-1 lead. Tacoma kept the score close with key contributions from Leilah Lemalu and Emilia Linden, who each tallied multiple kills, consistently assisted by Harris.

As the set progressed, Tacoma staged a comeback from a 9-11 deficit, stringing together a sequence that included two attack errors by Litia Momoisea to briefly take the lead at 11-9. The teams continued to trade points, with Tacoma pulling ahead 15-12 after a series of SPSCC errors. However, SPSCC regained momentum, capitalizing on Tacoma's service errors and attack errors to reclaim the lead.

In the closing stages, Tacoma's efforts, including a late kill from Wilkison, were not enough to overcome SPSCC. Despite a tense back-and-forth, SPSCC eventually secured the set with a final score of 25-21.

The second set began with a strong start from Tacoma, who quickly responded to an early SPSCC lead. A crucial series of points was spearheaded by Kylee Harris, whose service ace and setting ability helped Tacoma turn a 5-5 tie into a 9-5 advantage. Leilah Lemalu contributed significantly with two kills during this stretch, extending Tacoma's momentum.

However, SPSCC answered back, capitalizing on a string of service aces from Litia Momoisea to level the score at 19-19. Despite Tacoma's efforts to regain control, SPSCC maintained pressure and closed the set on a decisive run, finishing 25-19.

Tacoma faced a challenging start in the third set as SPSCC quickly advanced to a 5-0 lead, driven by service aces and attack errors. However, Tacoma responded with a series of strong plays, including a kill by Lemalu from Harris, and gradually reduced the deficit to 12-10. The set turned when Tacoma capitalized on opponent errors and a timeout by SPSCC to level the score at 14-14, eventually taking a slim lead.

As the set continued, Tacoma built momentum with Lemalu's consistent performance, including a critical service ace, pushing to a 16-14 advantage. Despite SPSCC's efforts to catch up, Tacoma maintained their composure, securing important points through kills by Wilkison and Linden. The set concluded with Tacoma holding firm, overcoming a late push by the opponents to close out the set 25-23.

Tacoma opened the fourth set with a brief lead, fueled by an attack error from Jamie Kennedy and a kill by Linden. However, the momentum shifted as SPSCC capitalized on multiple attack errors, pulling ahead to a 10-5 advantage. Tacoma called a timeout in an attempt to halt this run.

Following the timeout, Tacoma struggled to regain control, with SPSCC extending their lead to 18-8. Despite a resilient effort, including a kill by Harris and contributions from Mykah Curtis, Tacoma was unable to overcome the deficit. The set concluded with SPSCC securing a 25-16 win, closing the match with their effective blocking and strong offensive plays.

Emilia Linden recorded 11 kills with a .350 hitting percentage and added one ace in four sets. Kylee Harris tallied 28 assists and contributed 12 digs along with one service ace. Leilah Lemalu led the defense with 13 digs while also adding 12 kills and two service aces. Kelli English maintained a perfect 1.000 hitting percentage, converting one kill on her only attack attempt.

Litia Momoisea stood out for SPSCC with a total of 16.5 points, leading the team in both service aces with four and total blocks with six, showcasing her all-around contribution. Matagi Maugaotega was pivotal in setting, with 34 assists, helping to orchestrate the team's attack efficiently. Meanwhile, Jamie Kennedy was a key offensive player, tallying 13 kills and contributing significantly to the team's scoring.