The Highline’s women’s volleyball team competed at the prestigious NWAC Elite 8 Championship, but ultimately fell to the competition in the semifinal round. Their season comes to an end after the squad reached the Final Four, a feat to be proud of. 

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the highline women’s volleyball team embarked on a commendable journey in the NWAC Volleyball Championships, held at Pierce college from Nov. 17 to Nov. 19.

The team’s journey kicked off on Friday, Nov. 17, with an impressive victory in the quarterfinals against Columbia Basin. Highline dominated the match with a convincing 3-0 win, showcasing their prowess on the court. The set scores were 25-13, 25-20, and 25-22.

The charge was led by standout performances from Halle Garrity, who delivered 12 kills, and Tru Onisuka, showcasing exceptional defensive skills with 14 digs.

On Saturday, Nov. 18, the team faced a formidable challenge in the semifinals against Linn Benton College. The match went down to the wire, with Linn Benton ultimately securing a hard-fought victory with a 3-2 scoreline. 

Despite the loss, Highline displayed resilience and skill throughout the match, leaving a lasting impression on spectators.

The Elite 8 Championship also provided an opportunity to recognize individual achievements within the Highline team. Notable accomplishments include:

Blocks per set: Aspen Olson showcased her defensive skill, ranking second with an impressive 1.23 blocks per set.

Assists per set: Madison Mamizuka led the tournament with a joint-first position, averaging 9.50 assists per set.

Digs per set: Tru Onisuka demonstrated outstanding defensive skills, securing the third position with 612 digs.

Hitting percentage: Aspen Olson claimed the top spot with a remarkable hitting percentage of .384.

Adding to the team’s accolades, three Highline players secured coveted spots in the NWAC West Region First Team: Madison Mamizuka (S), Aspen Olson (MH), Sonya Fa’amalele (MH).

These individual honors reflect the exceptional talent and contribution of Highline players to the success of the team in the NWAC Championships.

In the face of injury setbacks, Aspen Olson’s resilience and determination shone through as she not only contributed significantly to the Highline women’s volleyball team but also earned a well-deserved spot in the NWAC West Region First Team. Despite not being at full strength, Olson’s performance stood out, showcasing her commitment to the team’s success.

In an interview reflecting on her achievements and the challenges she faced due to injuries, Olson expressed her personal goals for improvement. “Me personally, I want to work on being faster on offense and blocking,” she said. Despite playing at less than one hundred percent, Olson’s dedication to refining her skills was evident.

This commitment bore fruit in the Elite 8 Championships, where Aspen excelled in blocking. She secured the second position overall in blocks per set, a remarkable achievement considering the physical challenges she navigated. Olson’s ability to contribute significantly to the team’s defensive efforts, despite her injury, speaks volumes about her skill and determination on the court.

As the Highline women’s volleyball team reflects on their journey in the NWAC Volleyball Championships, Olson’s story becomes a testament to the team’s collective spirit and resilience. Her achievements, especially in the face of adversity, add an extra layer of inspiration to the team’s overall success in the tournament.