Volleyball wins road battle, bests Bulldogs 3-1

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Edmonds College (25-1, 5-0) defeated Bellevue College (22-1, 4-1) in a four-set match on the road, winning 27-25, 25-18, 21-25, 25-17, with a notable service performance that included 10 aces.

Edmonds opened the first set with a strong start, building early momentum through a service ace by Kamaleimahie Auwae and consistent plays by Olivia Miller and Kaydence Green. The team capitalized on Bellevue's errors, maintaining a narrow lead throughout the middle of the set.

As the set progressed, Edmonds demonstrated resilience, particularly with Haley Yost and Abby Barrow contributing key points. Despite Bellevue's efforts to close the gap, Edmonds maintained composure, with Miller delivering a decisive kill to regain the lead in a tight contest.

The set concluded with Edmonds seizing the advantage, overcoming a late tie at 24-24. Key defensive plays, including a block by Miller, helped Edmonds secure a 27-25 victory. 

Edmonds began the second set with a decisive momentum shift, capitalizing on consecutive attack errors from Bellevue to establish an early 4-0 lead. Barrow's service ace and assists, along with effective kills from Yost and Green, extended Edmonds' advantage to 15-8. A timeout by Bellevue did little to halt the visiting team's momentum as Edmonds continued to press forward.

The set saw Edmonds maintain control with strategic plays, including a block by Yost and Meredith Moszeter, keeping Bellevue at bay. Despite a late rally by Bellevue, Edmonds secured the set 25-18 with a final kill from Green, effectively maintaining their lead in the match.

Edmonds opened the third set by capitalizing on an early Bellevue error and quickly responded with a kill by Yost to equalize the score. A service ace from Millea McMurry briefly put Edmonds ahead, but Bellevue regained the lead as the set progressed. Despite a balanced attack featuring key plays from Yost and Green, Edmonds found themselves trailing due to a series of attack errors and Bellevue's effective blocking.

Midway through the set, Edmonds closed the gap to 10-10 following another attack error from Bellevue. However, Bellevue responded with a strong offensive push, extending their lead to 18-12 before Edmonds called a timeout. After the break, Edmonds mounted a comeback, with a service ace from Yost and subsequent points reducing the deficit to 18-16.

As the set closed, Edmonds made a valiant effort with consecutive kills from Green, Miller, and Yost, narrowing the gap to 24-21. However, a service error ended the set with Bellevue securing a 25-21 victory.

In the fourth set, Edmonds initiated a strong start with an early run, highlighted by Jayda-Lee Kaeo's two kills, pushing the score to 4-1. Despite a brief response from Bellevue, Edmonds built their momentum with key plays, including kills from Miller and Yost, expanding the lead to 11-7. Defensive efforts from Green and Auwae further extended Edmonds' advantage.

As the set progressed, Edmonds maintained control, with Yost consistently contributing on the offensive end, aided by assists from McMurry and Barrow. A service ace from McMurry and additional kills from Yost solidified the lead. The set concluded with Edmonds securing a decisive 25-17 victory, and handing the top-ranked Bulldogs their first loss of the season.

Edmonds holds a 25-1 overall record and now sits atop the North with a 5-0 standing. Bellevue is 22-1 overall and 4-1 in conference play.

Yost led Edmonds with 21 kills and 10 digs, contributing significantly to a total of 24.5 points. Barrow excelled defensively, amassing 16 digs and serving four aces. Green added 12 kills and collected eight digs, finishing with 13.5 points. Alondra Zambrano facilitated the offense with six assists while securing 12 digs defensively.

Edmonds takes their 24-game winning streak into their next match when they face off against Everett in Seaview Gym on Wednesday, October 15.