Titans move on to NWAC Regional Playoffs

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Tacoma (20-17, 6-7) defeated South Puget Sound (15-15, 5-8) in four sets, 25-19, 25-17, 18-25, 25-21, on Friday to secure the 4th playoff spot in the West Region. The Titans recorded nine service aces in the match, contributing significantly to their victory.

Tacoma secured the first set with a decisive 25-19 victory, capitalizing on a strong offensive performance. Mykah Curtis led the charge with multiple kills, while Kylee Harris facilitated the attack with several assists, contributing to their momentum. Emilia Linden's critical blocks helped the Titans to a 6-0 run late in the set, allowing them to pull away from the Clippers.

The Titans capitalized on a series of errors and strategic plays to secure a 25-17 victory in the second set against the Clippers. A pivotal stretch saw Tacoma convert three consecutive points, aided by three attack errors from Jamie Kennedy, to shift momentum and establish a 13-10 lead. Harris facilitated the offense with multiple assists, culminating in three kills from Leilah Lemalu late in the set, while also contributing a service ace that helped seal the set.

In the third set, the Clippers capitalized on Tacoma's miscues, including five attack errors and three service errors, to secure a 25-18 win. Tacoma managed to stay competitive with strong performances from Linden, who contributed multiple kills, and Curtis, who added crucial points. Despite tying the set at several junctures, the Titans were unable to sustain momentum against the Clippers' consistent attacks facilitated by Matagi Maugaotega's assists.

Tacoma surged to an early 6-0 lead in the fourth set, capitalizing on three service aces from Harris and a Clippers service error. Harris continued to influence the set with assists on key kills, including one by Haylee Tavares-Gernler, extending Tacoma's lead to 12-3. Despite a late push from the Clippers, highlighted by Athena Rossiter's kills, Tacoma secured the set 25-21 with a decisive kill from Tavares-Gernler.

Linden led the team's scoring with 19.0 points, contributing 15 kills on 30 attempts for a .400 hitting percentage. Harris facilitated the offense with 42 assists and added four service aces. Curtis bolstered the attack by tallying 13 kills, while Kelli English anchored the defense with 15 digs.

Maugaotega led the Clippers with 38 assists, demonstrating crucial playmaking throughout the matches. Kennedy contributed significantly on defense with five total blocks, adding a vital presence at the net while also recording 10 kills. Anastasia Morokhova was another key player, achieving a hitting percentage of .235 with 10 kills on 17 attempts, showcasing her attacking efficiency.

The Titans will travel to Ontario, OR next week for the NWAC Regional Playoff.

Go Titans!