Yakima Valley Rallies Back to Defeat Highline in 5 Sets in 3rd Place Match

LAKEWOOD, Wash. - The Yakima Valley Yaks rallied back from a 2-1 deficit to defeat Highline in five sets in the NWAC Volleyball Championship 3rd Place Match on Sunday afternoon at Pierce College.

The Yaks were resilient all season long and showcased it in the third place match against a tough Highline squad. Down 2-1 and facing multiple Highline match points in the fourth set, the Yaks continued to battle and eventually won the set 28-26. They continued their momentum to win the fifth set 15-12.

Both teams showed their dominant front row defense as blocking was the name of the game. Highline finished with 15 total blocks including eight by Aspen Olson (one solo and seven block assists) while Sonya Fa'amalele had seven block assists and Adrianna Taliloa had six. On the other side, Chloe Neil had eight block assists for the Yaks while Jessica Mariscal finished with seven.

McKenna Steiner was once again tough for Yakima Valley as she had 19 kills and 16 digs. Haylee Holker posted 12 kills and 11 digs. Brynn WIdner finished with 18 digs while Mariscal added 28 assists, eight digs and five kills to her impressive blocking day.

For the Thunderbirds, who take fourth place overall, Chelsea Velez led the team with 12 kills. Fa'amalele had 10 and Olson recorded eight. Tru Ontisuka had 25 digs while Madison Mamizuka led all players with 39 assists to go with 13 kills.

The Yaks, who came out of the East region as the No. 3 seed will finish third place overall with a 21-15 record. Highline completes an outstanding year in fourth place with a 30-6 record.

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