The Highline College Women’s Volleyball team faced a tough challenge as they clashed with Lower Columbia in a highly anticipated match that unfortunately ended with a 3-1 loss for Highline, marking the end of their impressive 8-game winning streak. 

The action took place on Oct. 20 at Myklebust Gymnasium, and in a game characterized by intense back-and-forth action, the Highline team started strong, clinching the first set with a 25-20 lead. 

However, Lower Columbia rallied back, securing the subsequent sets with scores of 25-18, 25-21, and 25-13, ultimately claiming victory.  

Despite the defeat, Aspen Olson, a freshman playing in the crucial middle hitter position, remained optimistic about the team’s performance. 

“I think the team as a whole is really good about not getting too down on themselves, even when we are losing. It helps us move on but still learn from the loss,” Aspen remarked in an exclusive post-match interview.  

When asked about her personal goals, Aspen emphasized her determination to improve her offensive and blocking abilities. “Me personally, I want to work on being faster on offense and blocking. I took a break due to an injury, so that’s made me a bit slow,” she explained.  

Addressing the team’s outlook in the wake of this setback, Aspen highlighted the significance of this loss as a valuable learning experience. “The loss is kind of a reset for the whole team. It showed us we still have a bit to go if we want to get the spot in the elite 8 we’re aiming for. We’re still doing good; we just need an extra bit of effort to make us that much better for next time,” she expressed.  

With their eyes set on reclaiming their winning momentum, the team is gearing up to redouble their efforts and refine their strategies as they prepare for their upcoming matches. As they aim to strengthen their team spirit and resilience, the players are committed to honing their skills and making a formidable comeback in the upcoming games.  

Despite the recent loss, the Highline College Women’s Volleyball team remains determined and unwavering in their pursuit of excellence, promising an exhilarating display of skill and sportsmanship in the matches to come.