Titans fall to LCC in three at home

Lower Columbia defeated Tacoma in straight sets on Wednesday evening, winning 26-24, 25-17, 25-19 at Tacoma's home court.

Tacoma started the first set with momentum, quickly establishing a lead with a kill by Mykah Curtis and an attack error from Lower Columbia's Claire Neuman. With contributions from Emilia Linden and Curtis, Tacoma pushed ahead to a 6-2 advantage. The early exchanges saw Lower Columbia start to counter, leveling the score at 7-7 after a series of plays led by Kendall Humphrey.

The set remained closely contested, with Tacoma regaining the lead on a kill by Irish Wilkison. However, LCC's offensive efforts, particularly from Chesney Schultz and Claire Neuman, kept the score tight. As the set progressed, Tacoma managed to tie the game at 19-19, but LCC's consistent attacks, including key plays from Humphrey, helped them edge forward.

In the closing moments, Tacoma's service error and attack errors allowed LCC to take the first set 26-24, despite a strong showing by Tacoma's Kylee Harris with multiple assists throughout the set.

The second set opened with Tacoma battling back from early errors, as Emilia Linden and Leilah Lemalu each delivered kills, supported by Harris's assists to keep the score tied at intervals. A service ace by Harris briefly pushed Tacoma ahead, but LCC quickly regained momentum with a series of kills and service errors from Tacoma to create separation.

Despite a series of offensive responses, including kills from Harris and Curtis, Tacoma struggled to break LCC's consistent attacking rhythm. LCC capitalized on Tacoma's attack errors, extending their lead with precise kills and service aces to close the set. The set concluded with LCC ahead, 25-17, despite Tacoma's late attempt to rally.

Tacoma began the third set with a point from a bad set by LCC, putting them on the board early. Despite several strong kills by Curtis, assisted by Harris, Tacoma found themselves trailing as LCC capitalized on attack errors and service errors. Tacoma managed to keep the set competitive, with contributions from Rasheeda Gordon and Lemalu helping to maintain a narrow margin.

Midway through the set, Tacoma tied the score at 12-12 with a kill by Linden. However, LCC responded with a series of successful kills and aces, gradually pulling ahead. Tacoma continued to battle back with key points from Wilkison and Linden, but LCC closed out the set with a string of points, extending their lead to secure a 25-19 victory in the set.

Harris orchestrated the offense with 32 assists, contributing to the team's overall performance. Curtis led the attack with 11 kills on 25 attempts, finishing with a .360 hitting percentage. Linden added nine kills and recorded one service ace, enhancing the team's offensive capabilities. Wilkison tallied six kills on 14 swings, maintaining an efficient .286 attack percentage.

Humphrey led LCC with 14 kills and a .448 hitting percentage, contributing 16 points over three games. Karissa Otterstetter was instrumental in setting up the team's offense, recording 31 assists and adding 7 digs. Neuman provided offensive support with 12 kills and a .320 hitting percentage, while also contributing defensively with 8 digs and 2 blocks. Lillian Halberg anchored the defense, tallying 16 digs to help keep the opposition's attacks in check.

Go Titans!