Tritons Take Down Yaks in 4 Sets to Advance to Semifinal

PASCO, Wash. — Edmonds College (35-1, 12-0) secured a 3-1 victory over Yakima Valley (27-10) in the first match of the 2025 NWAC NWAC Volleyball Championship Elite 8 at Columbia Basin College on Friday.

The Tritons improved their NWAC-best winning streak to 34 matches, dating back to Aug. 23. Edmonds won the first two sets, and after dropping set three, closed out the win in four sets (25-17, 25-23, 15-25, and 25-15. An overall even match statistically, the Tritons capitalized on six service aces with eight service errors by the Yaks. Edmonds had a .156 to .137 advantage in hitting percentage as both teams proved to be stout defensively.

The match commenced with Edmonds asserting control early, capitalizing on Yakima Valley's errors to secure a 2-0 lead. Key plays included a kill by Jayda-Lee Kaeo assisted by Kamaleimahie Auwae and multiple kills by Haley Yost, often set up by Abby Barrow, which maintained the Tritons' momentum. Despite a series of attack errors that allowed Yakima Valley to draw level at 8-8, Edmonds pulled ahead again with a decisive kill by Kaydence Green from Alondra Zambrano. A crucial block by Olivia Miller and Meredith Moszeter halted Yakima Valley's progress, extending Edmonds' lead. The Yaks responded with a string of kills by Ava Swan, assisted by Joleen Jaeger, narrowing the gap to 17-16. However, Edmonds closed the set with a sequence of points, including a service ace by Millea McMurry and capped by a kill from Moszeter, ending the set 25-17 in favor of the Tritons.

Edmonds narrowly edged out Yakima Valley in the second set, clinching it 25-23. Both teams exchanged points early on, but Edmonds capitalized on Yakima Valley's service errors to gain a slight advantage. Green and Yost contributed key kills, with Yost putting Edmonds up 17-13 after a setup from Barrow. Despite Yakima Valley's late surge, which saw them tie the set at 20-20 with strong plays from Swan, Edmonds responded decisively. Miller's kill and an ace by Barrow sealed the set victory for the home team. The Tritons won a crucial challenge late in the set that proved to be a pivotal point in the two-point victory.

Yakima Valley took control early in the third set with a series of impactful plays. Sienna Black and Ailianna Quaempts contributed crucial kills, while Malia Wheeler provided key assists, pushing Yakima Valley to a 9-6 advantage. Edmonds struggled with attack errors, allowing Yakima Valley to extend their lead further. Despite a few successful plays by Edmonds, including kills from Yost, Yakima Valley capitalized on errors and maintained momentum. Ultimately, the Yaks secured the set 25-15.

Edmonds capitalized on Yakima Valley's early errors to secure a 25-15 victory in the fourth set and take the match. After a brief back-and-forth, Yakima Valley took a 7-4 lead, but Edmonds responded with a decisive turnaround. Key contributions from Green and Yost helped Edmonds tie the score at 11-11. From there, Moszeter and Miller led a series of successful attacks, resulting in a 17-12 advantage for Edmonds. Yakima Valley struggled with errors, allowing Edmonds to maintain their momentum and close out the set with a kill from Barrow, clinching the match.

Yost emerged as a key contributor for Edmonds, registering 17 kills with a .216 hitting percentage, adding 16 digs for a double-double. McMurry led the team with 18 digs, showcasing her defensive capabilities, and added 14 assists to her performance. Zambrano was another defensive standout, recording 15 digs. Kaydence Green had 10 kills and Barrow led the match with 25 assists.

Swan was impressive for the Yaks, leading all players with 20 kills, hitting.241 with seven digs. Kamree Mills was instrumental in the defensive line, recording a team-high 24 digs, showcasing her critical role in maintaining the team's defensive stability. Black made her mark at the net with five total blocks.

Edmonds moves onto the semifinal round where they will next face the winner of Treasure Valley vs. Spokane. That match will take place on Saturday at 2 p.m.