Chukars Make Program History with First Trip to NWAC Final Four After Sweep of Spokane

PASCO, Wash. — Treasure Valley advances to its first-ever NWAC Volleyball Final Four with a sweep of region rival Spokane on Friday in match two of the 2025 NWAC Volleyball Championship, hosted by Columbia Basin College..

The Chukars (30-4) used an 11-3 advantage at the service line and forced 18 errors by the Sasquatch to earn the sweep (25-20, 25-19, 25-19) over Spokane for the third time this year. Treasure Valley, who reached the Elite 8 last year, clinched their first top-4 finish in program history.

The opening set between Treasure Valley and Spokane commenced with a tight exchange of points. Karly Clark led TVCC with several crucial kills, with Naomi Shipley providing key assists, propelling the Chukars to an early lead. Spokane's Lainey Calvary and Amanda Naipo responded with kills, keeping the home team within reach. However, consistent service aces from Treasure Valley's Clark and Dominixe Celaya widened the gap in the later stages. Ultimately, TVCC secured the set 25-20 with back-to-back aces from Celaya, concluding the set on a decisive note.

Katelyn Markley and Shipley led the Chukars to a 25-19 victory over Spokane in a tense second set. Markley contributed several key kills, while Shipley provided crucial assists, including one to Rylee Miller at a critical moment. Dominixe Celaya's setup helped Markley secure back-to-back points, extending Treasure Valley's lead to 6-4. A service ace by Markley at 15-10 widened the gap, prompting Spokane to call a timeout. Despite Spokane's late push, including multiple kills by Aubree Lane, the Chukars held steady. The set concluded with a decisive kill by Miller, assisted by Shipley, sealing the win for Treasure Valley.

TVCC secured a 25-19 victory in the third set against Spokane, capitalizing on multiple errors by the home team. The set was marked by a series of service errors from both teams, with Spokane committing errors on key points, including the final play at 25-19. Kynnsington Bandley and Markley contributed crucial kills, while Shipley provided consistent support, recording assists on several points. Spokane managed to tie the score at 13-13 after a block by Alexis Stolp and Naipo, but the Chukars responded with a decisive run, including a service ace by Josey Cook, to regain control and close out the set.

Clark emerged as a key player for TVCC, leading the team with four service aces . Shipley also played a crucial role, posting a .400 hitting percentage with six kills and providing 21 assists, highlighting her dual-threat capability. Markley added to the team's offensive efforts with 11 kills while also recording two service aces. Rylee Miller maintained efficiency at the net with a .357 hitting percentage, tallying six kills.

Aubree Lane stood out for the Sasquatch with 11 kills and 16 digs. Meloni Miller had 14 assists and Bailey Jaworski had 12 assists. Amanda Naipo added strength to the team's attack with seven kills and was active defensively with nine digs. Kaylee Winterroth excelled at the net with 2 solo blocks.

The Chukars will look to advance even further in the tournament as they next play Edmonds in the semifinals, scheduled for 2 pm on Saturday.