Big win against SPSCC leaves door open for NWAC Playoffs

TACOMA, Wash. — Tacoma Community College defeated South Puget Sound Community College in four sets on Friday evening, rallying from an opening set loss to win 14-25, 25-17, 25-20, 25-22. Tacoma's attack was led by a strong third set, posting a .355 hitting percentage.

The match opened with the Titans taking an early lead, as Emilia Linden scored off a set from Kylee Harris. Mykah Curtis followed up with another point, giving the Titans a brief two-point advantage. However, South Puget Sound quickly shifted momentum, capitalizing on a series of Titans errors and service aces to take control with a 9-3 run. Despite efforts from the Titans, including multiple kills from Linden facilitated by Harris, South Puget Sound maintained their lead. The Titans struggled to close the gap as South Puget Sound capitalized on further errors. The set concluded with South Puget Sound ahead, 25-14.

The Titans gained a significant advantage in the second set with a series of critical plays, starting with a pivotal block by Rasheeda Gordon that halted South Puget Sound's early momentum. Kelli English then capitalized on errors by the opposition, contributing to a key stretch that pushed the Titans ahead. Midway through the set, they extended their lead with a service ace from Curtis and a well-executed kill by Linden, assisted by Harris, solidifying their control. The Titans closed out the set decisively, with another kill by Linden, ending the set 25-17.

The Titans made a decisive push midway through the third set, establishing control with a series of pivotal plays. Linden's kill from Harris, followed by an attack error by Anastasia Morokhova, sparked a five-point run, putting the Titans ahead 11-6. Despite South Puget Sound's efforts to close the gap, including several kills by Jamie Kennedy and Litia Momoisea, the Titans maintained their lead through consistent scoring from Curtis and Gordon. With the score tied at 14, the Titans surged ahead once more, highlighted by Linden's service ace and further kills by Curtis and Gordon. They concluded the set strong, with Leilah Lemalu sealing the final point from a Harris assist, ending the set 25-20 in the Titans' favor.

The Titans seized control in the fourth set with a series of key plays, including a kill by Harris assisted by Linden, followed by a decisive stretch where Curtis contributed both offensively and defensively. Curtis's block alongside Linden helped the Titans regain momentum, and her subsequent kill extended the lead to 9-8. South Puget Sound fought back, leveling the score at 18-18, but the Titans maintained composure, as Lemalu, assisted by Harris, secured crucial points in the latter stages. The set remained fiercely contested until the Titans' Lemalu, again aided by Harris, delivered the final blow, clinching the set 25-22. The game concluded with the Titans emerging victorious.

Linden led the team with 17 kills on 29 attempts, achieving a .448 hitting percentage, and added two aces. Harris facilitated the offense with 37 assists and contributed seven digs. Lemalu recorded 11 kills and 10 digs, rounding out her performance with a service ace. Gordon made an impact at the net with two solo blocks, adding three kills on six attempts.

Kennedy led the Clippers with 17.0 points, registering 14 kills on 19 attacks for a hitting percentage of .684, and contributing four blocks. Aubree Savage added depth with a notable .364 hitting percentage, securing five kills and one solo block. Paron Holmes displayed versatility with three service aces and a total of seven digs over four sets.

Go Titans!