Host Bellevue College volleyball, seeded number on on their home floor, came back after falling in their opening match to win two matches in a row to clinch a berth to the NWAC Elite Eight Volleyball Championships.
The Bulldogs were stunned in their opener, falling 3-2 to Columbia Basin. After tying it back up 2-2 with a 25-23 set four win, the ‘dogs fell victim to Columbia Basin’s hot swings as the Hawks hit at a .636 clip in the decisive set five. Jessi Mahler had 11 kills and eight digs to lead BC.
After the loss, the Bulldogs were faced with a must-win situation in loser’s bracket play later that night vs. Pierce. After falling behind in set one, 25-16, Bellevue roared back by taking the next three sets (25-18, 25-20, 25-22) to win the match. Emma Haywood was on fire with 18 kills and no errors for a .750 hit percentage. Olivia Deckard had 14 digs and four services aces along with three in the first match giving her seven on the day.
Bellevue, in another must-win match, defeated Rogue 20-25, 25-22, 25-13, 25-23. Even though the ‘dogs swung at a .120 percentage, the ‘dogs took advantage of Rogue’s fatigue as the Osprey, coming off their second match in the day, committed ten errors in set four. After taking a commanding 21-16 lead, Rogue went on a seven point run to take the lead 23-22. Lauren Wittmers served an ace followed by a kill by Madison Turner as BC went on to win the thriller by two. Heywood had 21 kills while Deckard again played well on both ends with 10 kills and 21 digs. Libero Tommi Gallucci had 25 digs.
Bellevue enters the Elite Eight next week at Pierce College with a 28-5 record and #3 ranking in the latest NWAC Coaches’ Poll.
Last Updated November 12, 2023
