With just three games left in conference play, the volleyball team has the region title on the line. 

The Lady Thunderbirds secured their NWAC playoff spot with a five-set win over Tacoma last Friday. They currently rank second in the West, one win short of Pierce. 

The road to playoffs spans months in the making. The pandemic postponed the fall 2020 season several times, finally arriving in spring 2021. In the waiting months, the entire team had never practiced together until a month prior to games. Our team bond was strengthened over the ups and downs experienced in the COVID season. 

For us eight COVID season returners, we were thrilled to begin an official fall season. It was a quick turnaround from the abbreviated season to fall competition. 

Coach Chris Littleman brought in four freshmen players: Daisylyn Laulu, Khadijah Morgan, Jessica O’Brigewitsch, and Bethany Tuchardt. With nine returning players and four freshman talents, the team has a new dynamic. Not to mention we have three academic third-year players, “super sophomores,” as we like to call them — Madison Maafala, Kiani Hensley, and Kylie Lunday. 

Playing volleyball with this team brings out the fun and competitive aspect of the sport. Everyone loves playing volleyball, it’s infectious in the best way. We challenge the best out of each other in practice and rally for one another in game time. 

Coach Littleman expressed his strong belief in our potential this year. He instills team vision and breaks down the steps to get there in our training. All while reminding us to personally play at our peak ability.

At the start of the pre-season Highline was finding its groove with a 6-7 record.

Those six weeks were testing for all of us. Two of our players unfortunately had ankle sprains. Our lineup changed frequently as Coach Littleman was seeking the team’s best outcome.

Resting on off days was crucial. Volleyball was all we did for six weeks because fall classes had not yet begun at Highline. Playing and practicing as much as we did developed our team comradery quickly. With 13 matches under our belt, we were 6-7 going into conference competition. 

Beginning conference play, the team set a new pace. We steamrolled our way to four consecutive match wins, winning all of them 3-0.. Nearly every week in September and October a Highline player would receive region or division honors. Lauren Clark received Region Setter of the Week. Kylie Lunday and Kiani Hensley were each awarded Offensive Player of the Week. Bethany Tuchardt received NWAC player of the week. And last week Vanessa Mendez was named Region Defensive Player of the Week. The player recognitions highlight the high-caliber talent of this roster.

As the season progressed, the winning-streak broke with a tough loss from undefeated Pierce. ArtLosing to Pierce taught us the importance of mental focus along with executing plays. We all learned the hard way, by losing. 

To advance to the postseason triumphantly, we used it as fuel to train better together. Our practices looked different after the loss. We weren’t undefeated but we were refocused on our goal. To play at our highest caliber despite who is across the net. Everyone stepped up in their positions and worked together better than before. 

Now the Lady Tbirds are 8-1 in conference play with three matches remaining. 

Claiming the region title weighs upon Friday’s outcome against Pierce.

Rebecca Zenger is a member of the Highline volleyball team, and social media editor of the Thunderword.