Edmonds fights valiantly, but falls short in Final Four

PASCO, Wash. — Edmonds College (35-2, 12-0) fell to Treasure Valley Community College (31-4, 13-1) in a tense four-set match, 26-28, 25-22, 15-25, 23-25, in the Final Four at Columbia Basin College on Saturday. The match saw the Tritons record 101 digs, showcasing their defensive efforts despite the loss.

Edmonds began the first set with a strong start, leveling the score early through a kill from Olivia Miller. The team showed resilience, bouncing back from service errors and maintaining pressure with effective plays, including a service ace by Kamaleimahie Auwae and a kill by Meredith Moszeter, which helped keep the score tight.

Midway through, the Tritons managed to build a slight lead, aided by key contributions from Kaydence Green and Haley Yost. Despite the Chukars' attempts to close the gap, including a series of kills by Karly Clark, Edmonds maintained their composure.

As the set progressed, both teams exchanged points, pushing the set to extra points. Yost's timely kills provided crucial points for Edmonds, but Treasure Valley ultimately edged out the set 28-26 after a late offensive push.

Edmonds began the second set facing an early challenge as Treasure Valley established a 3-0 lead. The Tritons responded with a point from an attack error by the opponent and a service error, keeping the score within reach at 3-2. However, the Chukars capitalized on a series of kills to extend their lead to 8-2.

Midway through the set, Edmonds mounted a comeback. Yost led the charge with consecutive kills and a service ace, narrowing the gap to 8-6. Following a timeout by Treasure Valley, Edmonds continued to apply pressure, forcing errors from the Chukars and tying the score at 17-17.

In the closing moments, Edmonds seized control. Yost's consistent performance and service pressure turned the tide. A series of attack errors by Treasure Valley, combined with Yost's decisive plays, allowed Edmonds to secure the set with a 25-22 victory.

In the third set, Edmonds faced an uphill battle as Treasure Valley took control early. Green and Yost each contributed kills to keep the Tritons competitive, but the Chukars maintained a steady lead. Despite efforts from Auwae and defensive plays, Edmonds struggled to close the gap.

Treasure Valley capitalized on a series of attack errors and effective kills, extending their advantage. Late contributions from Yost and Auwae provided a brief spark for the Tritons, but it was Treasure Valley that closed the set with a decisive 25-15 victory.

The fourth set began with Edmonds scoring on a service error by Lexi Barnes to secure an early point. The teams exchanged service errors, tying the score at 1-1. The Tritons then took advantage of an attack error to gain a slight edge, but Treasure Valley responded with a series of kills by Katelyn Markley, shifting the momentum and establishing a 6-3 lead, prompting Edmonds to call a timeout.

After the timeout, Yost delivered a kill to close the gap, but a service error allowed Treasure Valley to maintain their advantage. Edmonds battled back with kills from Yost and Green, keeping the score tight. Despite their efforts, Treasure Valley's offense, led by Naomi Shipley's assists, pushed the score to 11-8.

Edmonds continued to fight, with key contributions from Moszeter and Abby Barrow, tying the game at 20-20. However, the Chukars regained the lead with consecutive points, forcing another Edmonds timeout. The Tritons equalized again at 22-22 with a kill from Yost, but Treasure Valley closed the set with a kill by Markley, securing a 25-23 win.

Edmonds (35-2) saw their 34 match win streak snapped with the loss. The Chukars are the only team to defeat Edmonds this season. Yost led the effort with 21 kills, hitting .284, and added 21 digs. Jayda-Lee Kaeo contributed significantly on defense by collecting 27 digs. Alondra Zambrano supported the defensive front with 19 digs and also added one ace from the service line. Barrow facilitated the offense with 23 assists and chipped in nine digs.

The Tritons will face the loser of the other Final Four matchup between Rogue and Bellevue in the third place game on Sunday at noon.