Titans Go 1-1 In Day One Of Opening Weekend Tournament

BELLEVUE, Wash. – Spokane (1-1) defeated Tacoma (1-1) in a neutral-site match at Bellevue College, overcoming a second-set loss to secure a 3-1 victory with scores of 25-20, 18-25, 29-27, 25-18.

Tacoma opened the first set with a competitive edge, as Haylee Tavares-Gernler and Mykah Curtis each recorded early kills, supported by Kylee Harris setting up multiple successful plays. Tacoma managed an impressive 5-0 run, highlighted by a service ace from Tavares-Gernler, forcing Spokane to call a timeout at 15-11. Despite Tacoma's efforts, Spokane closed the set with a strong finish, securing a 25-20 victory, aided by a series of service aces from Amanda Naipo.

Tavares-Gernler was instrumental in Tacoma's second set, contributing with four service aces and a key block alongside Emilia Linden and Leilah Lemalu. Tacoma rallied from an early deficit, turning the score around from 4-1 to 9-7 with kills from Irish Wilkison and Linden, assisted by Curtis and Tavares-Gernler, respectively. Spokane's timeout at 22-15 could not halt Tacoma's momentum as they sealed the set 25-18, with Curtis closing the set with a kill, aided by Harris.

The third set began with Tacoma taking an early 4-0 lead, highlighted by a service ace from Tavares-Gernler and a block by Linden. Spokane responded with a 5-point run to tie the score at 4-4, fueled by three consecutive service aces from Aubree Lane. Tacoma regained momentum with a series of blocks by Linden and a pivotal kill by Curtis that pushed the home team's lead to 12-7, prompting Spokane to call a timeout. Despite a late surge from Spokane, which included four service aces from Meloni Miller, Tacoma managed to keep the set competitive, with key contributions from Harris, who provided multiple assists and a pair of service aces. Ultimately, the set concluded in a close 29-27 victory for Spokane.

The fourth set began with Tacoma seizing an early 2-0 advantage, capitalizing on consecutive attack errors from Spokane's Daisy Lemley and Lainey Calvary, assisted by Mircea Campos and a block from Linden. Despite this strong start, Spokane responded with a 5-0 run to lead 6-2, fueled by the efforts of Bailey Jaworski and Miller. Tacoma narrowed the gap to 14-11 with key plays, including a service ace from Kelli English and a block by Harris, but Spokane maintained control, ending the set 25-18. Throughout, Jaworski's consistent assists and service aces played a significant role in Spokane's performance.

Linden led the Titans with a strong performance, recording 10 kills and 9 total blocks, contributing to 18 points. Tavares-Gernler excelled in serving, delivering 7 aces to boost her total points to 14.5. Harris was pivotal in setting up plays with 21 assists, alongside three service aces. Wilkison and Raniah Lemafa both achieved a perfect hitting percentage of 1.000, each converting one attack without errors.

Lane led Spokane with seven service aces and totaled 18.5 points over four sets. Miller posted an impressive attack percentage of .714, contributing six kills, eight assists, and three service aces. Addi Poss exhibited a perfect attack percentage of 1.000, adding one solo block to her performance.

Go Titans!