Edmonds volleyball squares off with Columbia Basin at NWAC Elite 8

LAKEWOOD -- One could point back to a home match against North Region champion Skagit Valley in Seaview Gym on October 23 as the turning point for this year's volleyball season. Although the Tritons came up short, they pushed the Cardinals to a fifth set, losing 15-13, and showed a different energy and tenacity that has continued to propel them forward. Following that match Edmonds rattled off four straight wins to close out North Region play, including a hard-fought 3-2 road win at Whatcom, and a sound 3-1 defeat of Bellevue at home on sophomore night November 8. That streak helped them secure the No. 3-seed from the region and advance to NWAC Super Regionals.

Last weekend in Albany, Ore. the squad punched their ticket to the NWAC Championship Tournament that begins today at Pierce College. They disposed of West No. 2-seed Centralia 3-1, lost to host Linn-Benton 3-0, then swept Wenatchee Valley to continue their season. The wins at Super Regionals define the team's new-found strength -- they are getting contributions from the entire roster and have established confidence in multiple options offensively.

In the win over Centralia, Olivia Miller, Rylee Miller, and Kamaleimahie Auwae all tied for the team lead in kills with nine. Sydney James and Saydee Heslop tallied eight kills each, and Gabbie Adams (6) and Makayla Olsen (4) took advantage of their opportunities as well. In the clincher against Wenatchee Valley, James led the way with 12 kills, followed by Heslop (10), Adams (8), Auwae (4), Olsen (4), and Olivia Miller (4). Kiara Milar has been the lynch-pin as setter, with Megan Aardema dishing out the second-most assists per set. The team's serving and defense has steadily improved, especially the past month.

Three players received All-Region recognition: Sophomore setter Kiara Milar was named to the North Region 1st-Team; sophomore outside hitter Sydney James was a 2nd-Team selection; freshman outside hitter Saydee Heslop was tabbed to the 3rd-Team. 

Triton volleyball has extended their postseason streak to eight consecutive years. The last time the program reached the Elite 8 was in 2021. Their oppenent Columbia Basin has enjoyed a spectacular season and brings a 26-4 overall record to tonight's clash. The Hawks are the East Region champions and were ranked No. 4 in the final NWAC Coaches Poll that was released prior to Super Regionals (Edmonds was ranked No. 9 in the poll). CBC defeated Clackamas 3-0 and Bellevue 3-2 to advance to the championship tournament. Edmonds and CBC met twice this season with the Hawks claiming both victories, but the pair came early in preseason. 

You can watch the match on the NWAC Sports Network (pay-per-view) and follow live stats for free. For those attending in person, you can purchase tickets here.

NWAC Volleyball Championship Website | Follow @EdmondsTritons on X for in-game updates