Bremerton, WA - It was a night of adversity for the Trojan volleyball team, arriving late to the match due to transportation issues, having to rush through warm ups, and falling behind 2 sets to zero. Still with everything stacked against them, and out of playoff qualification, the team showed no quit and rallied back to win their 9th match of the year in epic comeback fashion.
The first two sets were never really close with Olympic winning 25-18 and 25-14. The script was completely flipped coming out of the long set break and Everett capitalized on a slew of attack errors that helped build a ten point cushion. Kiersten Griffin got going with three kills, and Stasia Ka'ahanui along with Erin Ingram chipped in a couple more for the momentum stealing set win, 25-12.
Set four started out a bit more tight, with a 6-6 score through the first 12 points. Claire Lyshol went on a service run that included two aces and built the lead out to four before OC called a timeout. Then it was Stasia Ka'ahanui's turn to go on a run with two service aces of her own, building the lead out to six. EvCC would eventually stretch the margin to eight, taking a 20-12 lead before Olympic would keep things ingeresting, with a 7-3 run. Everett called a timeout with the score at 19-23, but a service error and an attack error ended the set and drew the match even at 2 sets apiece.
The fifth and final set provided the most drama filled action of the night. Through the first 16 points, there were six lead changes and five ties before Everett eventually built a four point lead forcing Olympic to call a timeout out at 10-6. The Rangers responded with a three point run to pull back within one and the Trojans took their first time out of the set. Out of the break an Olympic service error jump started a five point run, anchored by Stasia Ka'ahanui's two service aces, and EvCC completed the comeback. It was the second time this season that Everett trailed by two sets to come back and win the match, and their fifth, five-set win overall. The team also combined for 16 service aces, tying a season high for the third time. Stasia Ka'ahanui led the way in that stat category with 5 total on the night followed by Lauren Riske with 4. Erin Ingram led all attackers with 16 kills, her highest total since recording 23 back on September 4th. Kiersten Griffin also had a big night finishing with 9 kills, tying her career high.
Everett will close out the regular season on Friday night against Bellevue College in Bellevue. The Bulldogs are still in the hunt for a north region championship and could solidify at least a share of the title with a win. Everett, looks to reach ten wins on the season, and play the role of spoiler on sophomore night. First serve is scheduled for 7pm.