Everett moves to 2-0 After Win in Bellingham

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Everett Community College women's volleyball team continued the North Region campaign in style Friday night, shaking off a set one loss to rally 3-1 past Whatcom Community College at the WCC Pavilion on Friday night.

The Trojans, now 2-0 in north region play showed resiliency after dropping the opening set, regrouping behind steady defense and capitalizing on Whatcom miscues the rest of the way. Setter Taylor Holland set the tone with sharp distribution, finding Everett's attackers to total 34 assists, nearly acheiving her career high mark of 37.  EvCC hitters combined for 38 kills, led by sophomore Maya Gaudia's 14.

After the first set, Everett's offense came alive in set two behind Gaudia and Nuha Haitami, who each notched big swings at the net. Reinna Mostrales added a service ace during a critical 5-0 run that gave the Trojans firm control. The Trojans closed out on a 4-1 run to win set two 25-17.

The third frame proved to be the turning point. Locked in a back-and-forth battle with the Orcas , Everett leaned on clutch kills from Mostrales and Gaudia, plus a late service ace from Gaudia that gave the Trojans breathing room. After trailing 16-17, Everett built a 3 point lead, only to see it slip away, with the match tied at 22.  Everett took the next three points after consecutive Orca attack errors.  

By the fourth set, the Trojans were rolling. Holland sparked an early surge, assisting on three straight kills to open the set. From there, Everett dominated at the net, with Natalie Spelman providing a service ace and Rachel Zehm chipping in a key kill. The Trojans overwhelmed Whatcom with a relentless attack, sealing the win 25-12 in emphatic fashion.

Whatcom's 33 attack errors, ultimately led to their demise, but it was the Trojans steady pressure and relentless defensive effort that kept the game out of reach. Spelmen led the team's 82 digs with 30 of her own for a new career high and the team's 7 receiving errors were among the lowest of the season. 

Everett will head into the week with only one match on the schedule.  It will be a big one against defending NWAC Champions, Skagit Valley on the road.  The Cardinals have had a tough non conference schedule faring well at 10-8 and recently dropping their north region opener 3-0 to top ranked Bellevue College.  Match is set for 7pm in Mount Vernon.