Titans fall to Highline in three sets

TACOMA, Wash. — Highline College swept Tacoma Community College in three sets, 25-17, 25-15, 25-21, on Wednesday evening, with Highline's efficient attacking performance, including a .367 hitting percentage in the final set, sealing the victory.

Tacoma began the first set with a balanced attack, as Kylee Harris facilitated plays leading to early kills by Emilia Linden and Leilah Lemalu, allowing the home team to establish a 4-2 lead. The Titans' momentum was punctuated by a service ace from Haylee Tavares-Gernler, extending the lead to 4-2. However, Highline responded effectively, capitalizing on Tacoma's errors to tie the score at 8-8.

As the set progressed, Highline seized control through a series of points initiated by a service ace from Eden Gardner, leading to a 13-9 advantage. Tacoma managed to regain some ground with Lemalu's consistent offensive contributions, closing the gap to 16-14. Despite Tacoma's efforts, Highline maintained their lead, utilizing effective serves and attacks to push the score to 22-14.

The set concluded with Tacoma attempting a comeback through kills by Lemalu, but Highline's defensive pressure and key blocks ended Tacoma's rally. Highline secured the first set, finishing with a score of 25-17.

In the second set, Tacoma experienced a challenging start, quickly falling behind as Highline capitalized on errors to build a 4-0 lead. Despite facing a deficit, Tacoma managed to break the opponent's run with a service error from Highline. Linden and Lemalu each contributed with timely kills, aided by assists from Harris, narrowing the gap temporarily. However, Highline maintained their momentum with strong offensive plays, including multiple kills by Saniah Johnson, extending their lead further.

Midway through the set, Tacoma found a brief rhythm with a service ace from Harris, pushing back against Highline's advances. Mykah Curtis and Tavares-Gernler added crucial points with kills, but Highline's consistent pressure and execution allowed them to maintain control. The set closed with Tacoma making a late push, highlighted by a service ace from Lemalu, yet Highline secured the set 25-15.

The third set began with Tacoma and Highline trading points, highlighted by Tavares-Gernler's early kill off an assist from Harris. Highline then took control with a string of points, primarily from Nevaeh Seuteni and Taeah Makuakane, increasing their lead to 10-3. Tacoma responded with a series of successful plays, including kills from Lemalu and Curtis, narrowing the gap and eventually tying the score at 16-16.

Despite Tacoma's efforts to maintain momentum, including another kill from Tavares-Gernl, Highline edged ahead again. Tacoma kept the set close with contributions from Lemalu and Curtis, but Highline capitalized on attack errors and a final service ace to close the set 25-21.

Lemalu led Tacoma with 14 kills and two service aces, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output. Harris tallied 27 assists and added two service aces, facilitating the attack with precision. Curtis registered six kills and seven digs, playing a key role in both offense and defense. Tavares-Gernler was efficient with four kills on seven attempts, achieving a hitting percentage of .429.

Johnson emerged as a key player for Highline, leading the team with 16.0 points, including 12 kills and three service aces. Seuteni displayed efficiency with a .500 hitting percentage, recording 11 kills and contributing two solo blocks. Taylia Iloilo facilitated the offense with 27 assists, while also adding a block and four digs to her performance.

The Titans are tied with South Puget Sound CC for 4th place in the West Region, which means we have a play-in game on Friday, 11/7 at 6:30 PM. The winner advances to the NWAC Regional Playoffs.

Go Titans!