Highline College athletics is heading into November with plenty to celebrate as the men’s and women’s soccer teams and the women’s volleyball team prepare to compete in the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) playoffs following impressive regular-season performances.
Both soccer teams finished at the top of the West Region standings, earning first-round byes and home-area quarterfinal matchups on Nov. 7. Meanwhile, the volleyball team finished second in the region and will begin its postseason journey on Nov. 14.
With strong records, standout individual performances, and championship hopes on the line, the Thunderbirds are looking to carry their regular-season momentum into the postseason.
Men’s soccer dominates West Region, remains undefeated in league play
The Highline men’s soccer team has been a force throughout the season, finishing with an overall record of 14-1-2 and an undefeated 13-0-2 record in league play. The Thunderbirds were the only team in the NWAC to finish conference play without a loss, securing the West Region championship and a first-round playoff bye.
Their next challenge comes against longtime rival Peninsula College, which enters the quarterfinals with a 10-2-2 overall record and an 8-2-2 conference record. Peninsula earned its spot in the quarterfinals after defeating Rogue Community College 3-0 in the opening round.
The two teams will face off on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m. at the Starfire Soccer Complex in Tukwila.
Leading Highline’s offensive attack is Drew Diaz, who has established himself as one of the NWAC’s most dangerous players. Diaz leads the conference in both goals, with 19, and total points, with 39.
Teammate Zack Robertson has also made significant contributions, recording eight goals and 18 points this season. Alex Garcia and Frank Meza have helped create scoring opportunities, each contributing seven assists.
Highline’s success hasn’t been limited to its offense. Goalkeeper Kyle Goodrow has delivered an exceptional season, leading the NWAC in multiple defensive categories. Goodrow holds an impressive .846 save percentage, has allowed just four goals, and maintains a goals-against average of 0.47.
With one of the conference’s strongest offenses and a defense that has been difficult to break through, the Thunderbirds enter the playoffs as a formidable contender.
A victory against Peninsula would send Highline to the NWAC semifinals on Nov. 13.
Women’s soccer claims West Region title, prepares for Skagit Valley
Not to be outdone, the Highline women’s soccer team has also secured a West Region championship after finishing the regular season with an 11-2-5 overall record and a 10-1-5 conference record.
The Thunderbirds finished ahead of second-place Lower Columbia College, earning a first-round bye and a quarterfinal matchup against Skagit Valley College. The Thunderbirds will host Skagit Valley, which enters the matchup with a 10-2-1 overall record and a 9-2-1 conference record.
Throughout the season, Highline has relied on a balanced offensive attack and strong performances from several key players.
Dalila Ortiz leads the team with 10 goals and 21 points, while Alysson Bertrand Gomez follows with six goals, seven assists, and 19 points. Zuley Martinez and Kayla Vera have each contributed five goals, giving the Thunderbirds multiple scoring threats.
Mersedes Baltazar leads the team in assists with eight, helping generate offensive opportunities throughout the season. Defensively, goalkeeper Selma Lawson has provided stability in front of the net, starting 15 games and recording three shutouts.
The women’s team has shown significant growth throughout the season. In mid-October, Highline sat in third place in the West Region with a 6-1-4 conference record. By the end of the regular season, the Thunderbirds had climbed to first place and secured the region championship.
Now, with a spot in the semifinals on the line, Highline will look to continue that momentum against Skagit Valley on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m. at Highline Memorial Stadium in Burien.
The winner advances to the NWAC semifinals on Nov. 13.
Volleyball looks to continue strong season in postseason
While the soccer teams prepare for their quarterfinal matchups, Highline’s women’s volleyball team has a little more time before beginning its playoff run.
The Thunderbirds finished the regular season with an impressive 23-3 overall record and a 10-2 conference record, placing second in the NWAC West Region behind Lower Columbia College. Highline will face Lane College on Nov. 14. Lane enters the postseason with a 19-8 overall record and a 9-5 conference record.
Highline’s volleyball team has enjoyed a strong season thanks to a combination of offensive power, effective setting, and consistent defensive play. Tofoi Gatoloai leads the Thunderbirds with 300 kills, followed by Saiah Johnson with 200.
Kiara Iloilo has recorded a team-leading 284 assists, while Hope Kepa has added 264, helping keep Highline’s offense moving throughout the season. At the service line, Taylor Reese Hess leads the team with 29 aces, followed closely by Kepa with 27.
Hess has also been a standout defensive player, ranking third in the NWAC with an average of 5.01 digs per set and 426 total digs.
The Thunderbirds have been among the strongest teams in the region throughout the fall. In mid-October, Highline held an 18-2 overall record and was tied with Lower Columbia for first place in the West Region.
Although the team ultimately finished second, its 23-win regular season has positioned it for a promising postseason run.
