Everett, WA – It was over a month since the EvCC volleyball team had played a home match and on Friday night, the Trojans welcomed Whatcom CC for the north region home opener. Everett, entered north region play with a 7-13 record, but it was 21 games of important opportunity to build experience for the young team. Along the way, EvCC picked up quality wins against Mt. hood, Clark, Yakima, and Spokane and freshman Reece Nelson was twice named north region defensive player of the week.
Sophomore Halle Wilkinson entered the match as the team leader in kills with 134, almost tripling her season total from last year. Freshman Maya Gaudia is another offensive threat at 113 kills this season, and setting duties have been split between freshman Taylor Holland and sophomore transfer Cadynce Knudson.
Perhaps still reeling from Wednesday's 3-1 loss to rival Edmonds, the Trojans came out flat against Whatcom in the first set falling 25-12. WCC controlled the net with 15 kills and 2 blocks. They also served well with 5 aces.
In set two, Everett used an 8-point run to build a 17-11 lead. Whatcom slowly climbed back in, tying it at 20, with a 9-3 run of their own. Moments later, back-to-back service aces propelled Whatcom to set point, and eventually prevailed 25-23. Maya Gaudia led the way for EvCC with 6 kills.
Whatcom used the momentum from the comeback to cruise in the third set, leading by as many as ten. EvCC fought back to tie the match at 23, but the Orcas were able to close out the match 25-23. Maya Gaudia had a strong attacking day with 14 kills on a .429 hitting percentage. Cadynce Knudson led the team in assists with 11 and the defensive effort was led by Gaudia and fellow freshman Taylor Holland with 13.
Everett will play their next match on the road, Wednesday October 2nd at Olympic. Match time is set for 7:00pm.