Volleyball rolls to another victory at Whatcom

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Edmonds College (2-0, 22-1) swept Whatcom Community College (1-2, 3-12) in three sets on Wednesday at WCC Pavilion, prevailing 25-15, 25-20, 25-12. Edmonds achieved an impressive .297 hitting percentage, led by a balanced attack across all three sets.

Edmonds began the first set with strong momentum, capitalizing on early mistakes by Whatcom to quickly establish a lead. Notable contributions came from Olivia Miller and Kamaleimahie Auwae, with Miller securing a kill assisted by Auwae. A service ace by Abby Barrow further extended the Tritons' advantage, prompting a Whatcom timeout as the score reached 10-5 in favor of the visitors.

The Tritons maintained their edge through effective play from Meredith Moszeter and Kaydence Green, each adding crucial kills. Consistent setting from Keikilani Iwaki facilitated these offensive plays. Despite brief responses from Whatcom, including a service ace by Arianna Stovall, the team continued to pull away, thanks to a kill by Auwae and another ace from Barrow.

The set concluded with Edmonds firmly in control, closing out the set 25-15. Barrow's ace and a final kill by Green sealed the set, leaving the Tritons with a strong opening advantage.

Edmonds opened the second set with a commanding start, racing to a 5-0 lead with a service ace from Barrow and kills from Auwae and Miller. Despite Whatcom's brief rally to even the score at 5-5, Edmonds responded with a series of points, highlighted by a block from Auwae and subsequent kills from Moszeter and Green.

The Tritons maintained momentum as Alondra Zambrano's service aces extended their lead, pushing the score to 20-10. Although Whatcom attempted a late comeback with multiple kills from Teegan Curtis, the Tritons secured the set 25-20, ending with a kill from Green and an attack error by Madie Kerch.

Edmonds seized control at the start of the third set with a series of impactful plays. Auwae's kill from Millea McMurry tied the score early, followed by a strong block from Moszeter that helped Edmonds take a 5-3 lead. The team then extended their advantage, capitalizing on multiple attack errors by Whatcom, leading to a decisive stretch where Edmonds increased their score to 13-5, prompting a timeout from the Orcas.

Continuing their dominance, the Tritons pushed forward with precise execution. Moszeter and Jayda-Lee Kaeo each contributed key kills, further widening the gap. As the set progressed, the consistency of Edmonds' play forced additional errors from Whatcom, allowing the Tritons to reach a 22-10 lead.

Edmonds closed the set effectively, maintaining their momentum. Miller added a crucial kill, and Haley Yost secured the final point with a kill from McMurry, concluding the set at 25-12 in favor of the Tritons.

Auwae led the Tritons with seven kills on nine attempts, hitting .778, and also contributed three solo blocks. Moszeter posted nine kills on 11 swings, achieving a .818 attack percentage, along with one solo block. Zambrano recorded four service aces while also collecting 14 digs. McMurry facilitated the offense with 13 assists and added six digs in her efforts.

Edmonds ups their overall record to 22-1 and nabbed their second region win. Whatcom now stands at 3-12 overall with a 1-2 mark in conference competition.

The next match for Edmonds is at home versus Skagit Valley College on Friday, October 3. Edmonds is ranked No. 3 in the latest NWAC Coaches Poll that was released on September 30. Skagit is ranked No. 10.