North Challenge Produces Opening Weekend Challenge for Trojans

Everett, WA - EvCC Volleyball got the season underway, as one of the host sites for the the North Challenge.  EvCC hosted fellow north region rival Edmonds College, along with #4 ranked Yakima, #5 ranked Columbia Basin College, and #9 ranked Wenatchee Valley.  Edmonds entered the season ranked #6 and both Everett and Mt. Hood CC received votes for a top 10 ranking, which means the weekend was loaded with top tier talent in the NWAC.  EvCC opened up with #4 Yakima, and won the first set 25-23 but fell in the next three sets.  Reece Nelson and Halle Wilkinson led the team with 12 digs each and freshman Maya Gaudia had 5 service aces.  

Four hours later, the Trojans took on another east region opponent, Wenatchee Valley College and again started strong by winning the first set.  But the Knights settled in and were able to take the next three sets to secure the match.  Sophomore Halle Wilkinson led the team with 12 kills and Reece Nelson had 16 digs.  Despite losing the two matches the young Trojans squad showed that they could compete with the top NWAC teams and built confidence going into Day two.

Everett hosted #5 ranked Columbia Basin in the first match of the second day, and had the Hawks on the ropes up 2 sets to none.  But the Trojans still learning how to close out matches, allowed CBC to come back and take the next two sets forcing a 5th.  CBC held all the moment and took the final set 15-7.  Alli Hillyard led the team with 9 kills while Reece Nelson once again had an outstanding defensive effort leading all players with 27 digs. 

In the final match, Everett showed resiliency bouncing back to down Mt. Hood in three sets.  Taylor Holland and Cadynce Knudson combined for 29 assists while the Trojans' front line dominated the net with 32 combined kills and 11 blocks.  Freshman Camilla Olive had a game high 7 blocks and also added 6 kills.

EvCC will take to the road and head east, first to Wenatchee on Wednesday for a two day double header and then will follow that up with four matches in two days at Columbia Basin College in Pasco, WA.