Lakewood, Wash. – Yakima Valley College (YVC) continued their stellar momentum in the NWAC volleyball tournament Friday afternoon with a dominant sweep of Highline College, securing their eighth straight victory and advancing to the semifinals for the second consecutive season.
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The Yaks showcased their prowess early in the match, taking control from the outset. The final score was a decisive 25-19, 25-17, 25-15, leaving little doubt about their superiority. With a relentless offensive attack and airtight defense, YVC displayed all the qualities that have made them a formidable team throughout the season.
Dominant Performance
Leading the charge for Yakima Valley were McKenna Steiner and Kaitlyn Leaverton, both of whom had standout performances. Steiner, who has been a consistent force for the Yaks all season, recorded an impressive 17 kills and 11 digs, earning herself a double-double. Leaverton wasn’t far behind, registering 15 kills and eight digs, showcasing her all-around skills on the court. Both players posted a hitting percentage well above .470, highlighting their efficiency and impact.
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Coach Darci Dekker couldn’t help but praise her team’s performance, noting how well they stuck to their game plan. “I don’t think they could ever get going, actually,” Dekker said of Highline. “I think we attacked them with our serve, and they could never get in system. We stayed strong and true to who we are and what we do.”
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Dekker also highlighted the team’s improved health at just the right time. After suffering injuries earlier in the season, the team’s full recovery has coincided with a surge in form. Freshman setter Kalilyn Gomez, who had been sidelined due to injury, returned to action and has made an immediate impact, leading the offense alongside first-team all-NWAC East selection Joleen Jaeger. This has allowed the Yaks to utilize more size up front, further bolstering their already impressive lineup.
Since Gomez’s return, Yakima Valley has won 9 of 10 matches, proving that their previous success was no fluke, especially after their surprise run to the semifinals last year despite six league losses.
Stifling Defense and Team Depth
In addition to their offensive firepower, Yakima Valley’s defense was equally dominant. They limited Highline to a .116 hitting percentage, frustrating the opposition with tight coverage and well-timed blocks. Aubrey Tornow, an Ellensburg graduate, took on a bigger role this season as the team’s full-time libero after an injury sidelined Mia Carlson. Tornow had a team-high 12 digs and was instrumental in YVC’s defensive scheme.
Tornow’s presence on the backline was vital, and her serve was also a weapon, contributing to a pivotal 5-0 run that propelled the Yaks to victory in the final set. The team showed resilience as they erased a two-point deficit late in the match, with Tornow’s ace serving as the turning point.
Payton Childers was also a key contributor, assisting on five of YVC’s six blocks. The team’s defense was so stifling that they only allowed Highline to string together more than two points in a row twice throughout the match. This defensive discipline was a testament to their collective effort and commitment to controlling the tempo.
Throughout the match, the Yaks went on several scoring runs, including a seven-of-eight point streak in the opening set to take a commanding 16-8 lead. From there, they never looked back, maintaining their momentum and never allowing Highline to recover.
Looking Ahead: A Tough Challenge Awaits in Semifinals
With the win, Yakima Valley will now face a much-anticipated showdown with the top-seeded Linn-Benton Roadrunners in Saturday’s first semifinal, scheduled for 2 p.m. Linn-Benton, the three-time defending champions, have been nearly unbeatable over the past few seasons, holding an 88-match win streak. They’ve been pushed to a fifth set just nine times during that stretch, with one of those instances coming against Yakima Valley in last year’s regional championship.
The Yaks know they will be in for a tough challenge, but they also know they have the talent and momentum to compete with the best. For coach Dekker, the key will be to maintain the same level of intensity and focus that has carried them this far. “We’ve been playing really well, and we know what we’re capable of,” she said.
Key Player Performances
In addition to Steiner and Leaverton’s outstanding efforts, several other players contributed significantly to the victory. Kalilyn Gomez tallied 16 assists and eight digs, helping orchestrate the offense with precision. Grace Hadaller added four kills and two digs, while Payton Childers contributed six kills, 2.5 blocks, and a dig, further emphasizing the team’s well-rounded play.
Joleen Jaeger continued to impress as the team’s primary setter, recording 25 assists and eight digs, while Ana Hrle and Ailianna Quaempts each added valuable contributions with four digs and two kills apiece.
With their victory over Highline, Yakima Valley has now reached the semifinals for the second consecutive year, continuing to prove that their success is no fluke. The team’s combination of strong attacking, resilient defense, and depth has them poised for another deep run in the tournament.
Men’s Basketball: Garrett Anderson Leads Wildcats to Victory
In other college sports news, the Central Washington University men’s basketball team earned a solid win in the opening game of the Northwest Nazarene Thanksgiving Classic on Friday. Garrett Anderson was the standout performer, draining six three-pointers and finishing with a game-high 39 points in an 85-63 victory over Jessup University. Anderson, who had struggled to find his scoring touch in previous games, was on fire, making 14 of his 21 field goals and adding eight rebounds to his impressive stat line.
Anderson’s performance was a welcome sign for the Wildcats, who have now won two consecutive games. They will conclude their tournament play in Nampa, Idaho, on Saturday, where they will face Westmont College. Anderson’s red-hot shooting and overall performance have the Wildcats feeling confident heading into their final game of the tournament.
Conclusion
As Yakima Valley volleyball continues to roll through the NWAC tournament and Central Washington’s basketball team looks to build on their recent success, both teams are setting themselves up for exciting finishes to their respective seasons. With star players stepping up and strong team efforts across the board, the next few days will surely be filled with thrilling action and anticipation as these teams look to secure their spots in championship contention.
