Highline College’s women’s volleyball team is making waves in the early season, proving their dominance on the court with an impressive string of victories. With a competitive edge and a roster bursting with talent, the team is setting high expectations for their performance this year.

In recent matches, the team participated in the North Region Invite and the North Challenge Invitational, delivering standout performances. They kicked off their winning streak with a convincing 3-0 win against Shoreline at Skagit, followed by another 3-0 victory against Skagit Valley also at Skagit. Although they faced a setback against Everett at Whatcom Community College, losing 3-1, they quickly rebounded with a resounding 3-0 win against Whatcom at the same venue.

As the season progressed, the team continued to showcase their prowess, securing wins against Umpqua and Olympic at Pierce College, SW Oregon, Mt. Hood, Clark, Chemeketa, Edmonds, Everett, Whatcom, Skagit Valley, SW Oregon (once more), and Yakima Valley. Their remarkable record includes just two losses on the road, demonstrating their exceptional performance away from home.

Several key players have emerged as the driving force behind the team’s success. Aspen Olson, with an impressive .368 kill percentage, has proven herself as a versatile player on the court. Madison Mamizuka’s 29 assists have made her an integral part of the offense. Chelsea Velez, with a consistent .211 kill percentage, has been a reliable attacker, while Sonya Fa’amalele boasts a remarkable .545 kill percentage, solidifying her status as a powerhouse hitter. Adrianna Taliloa leads the team with 9 kills in their recent game against Green River. 

Hillary Medina, a talented freshman on the team, gave insights into her thoughts on the season and her journey to becoming a part of this dynamic group. Medina shared, “We have a pretty competitive team this year, and I’m excited to see how far we’ll get throughout the season. I have really high expectations for us this year just because we’re so versatile and are able to work with any rotation. Our volleyball team made it all the way to the final eight last year, so I have high hopes this season.”

Reflecting on her recruitment process, Medina said, “The recruitment process was quite intense. I attended several tryouts and had to showcase my skills and teamwork. The coaching staff and the team were very welcoming, and I felt like this was the right fit for me. It’s a dream come true to be a part of this team.”

With an impressive record of more than 18 games, including only two losses away, the team’s objectives remain focused on maintaining their winning streak and improving their performance. Winning at home is important, but their determination extends to excelling in every match, home or away.

Highline’s women’s volleyball team is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with this season, and their high expectations and unwavering commitment promise an exciting and successful journey ahead. Be sure to catch their next game against South Puget Sound on Friday, September 29, at 7 p.m.