Bellevue Sweeps Rogue to Reach First NWAC Final Since 2017

PASCO, Wash. — The Bellevue Bulldogs swept Rogue (25-20, 25-19, 28-26) to advance to the NWAC Final, on Saturday night in the semifinal of the 2025 NWAC Volleyball Championship at Columbia Basin College.

The Bulldogs reach their first championship match since 2017 as they will look for their first-ever NWAC title on Sunday when they face Treasure Valley. Bellevue showed its full strength on Saturday against Rogue, finishing with a 48-35 kill advantage and eight blocks in just three sets. The Bulldogs dominated the first two sets before using a late comeback in set three to earn the sweep over the Ospreys.

Bellevue opened the first set with an early lead, propelled by a kill from Karisa Martin and two service aces by Maile Kuamo'o, establishing a 5-2 advantage. Rogue responded with a series of points, including kills from Danica Becerril and Sarai Breeze, to narrow the gap to 7-6. Bellevue's offense continued to excel as Mya Hejl and Gillian Merhoff combined for crucial kills, extending their lead to 20-14 after a Rogue timeout. Despite a late surge from the Ospreys, including a service ace by Julia Brehm, Bellevue secured the set at 25-20 with a decisive kill from Kiana Cueto.

Bellevue secured a commanding second set victory with a 25-19 score over Rogue, highlighted by a strong start and consistent performance. Martin's early offensive pressure, including two kills and a block, helped Bellevue jump to a 5-0 lead. The Ospreys attempted to rally back, with Becerril contributing multiple kills, but Bellevue maintained their advantage. A series of attack errors by Rogue and effective plays from Bellevue, particularly from Merhoff and Hejl, solidified the set win. Merhoff delivered the final point with a kill, capping off a decisive set for the visiting team.

RCC took an early lead in the third set, driven by Olivia Stubenrauch's attack and a service ace, establishing a 3-0 advantage. Bellevue struggled with errors initially but responded with key kills from Merhoff and Ava Nowak, narrowing the gap to 5-3. Rogue maintained pressure with contributions from Brehm and Atalani Cook, extending their lead to 16-10. However, Bellevue mounted a comeback, capitalizing on attack errors from RCC and strong performances by Nowak and Martin, eventually tying the set at 18-18. The teams traded points in a tense finish, but Bellevue clinched the set 28-26, with Olivia Chilton securing the final two points.

Lucci Unga facilitated the offense for Bellevue, totaling 23 over the three sets. Hejl demonstrated efficiency and power with a .400 hitting percentage, recording nine kills and adding four block assists. Martin led the team offensively with 12 kills and a .219 hitting percentage, adding three blocks. Olivia Deckard emerged as a defensive leader with 21 digs. Nowak contributed nine kills and was active defensively with 12 digs.

Shayla Lacamiento led the Ospreys with a standout performance in setting, accumulating 31 assists over three sets. Becerril was a key offensive player, achieving 13 kills with a hitting percentage of .308, while also contributing defensively with two blocks. Perseis Rosas-Sueinishi made a notable impact on defense with 14 digs.

Bellevue will head to the championship match on Sunday, taking on Treasure Valley at 3 p.m. Both the Bulldogs and Chukars will each be looking for their first-ever NWAC Volleyball title as a brand new champion will be crowned. Rogue moves to the Third Place Match and will take on Edmonds at 12 p.m. on Holden Court.