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Linn-Benton Outlasts Highline in 5-Set Thriller to Reach Advance to 3rd Straight Championship Match
Posted: Nov 19, 2023

Linn-Benton Outlasts Highline in 5-Set Thriller to Reach Advance to 3rd Straight Championship Match

Box Score
Game Leaders
E2 Highline
K: Halle Garrity - 18
B: Sonya Fa'amalele - 6
D: Tru Onisuka - 26
SA: Tru Onisuka - 3
S1 Linn-Benton
K: Maddy Hellem - 13
B: Grace Boeder - 6
D: Meah Carley - 18
SA: Meah Carley - 2
Team Stats
Full stats

LAKEWOOD, Wash. - In a battle of atrition, the back-to-back defending NWAC Champions Linn-Benton will defend their title after five-set victory over Highline in the semifinals of the NWAC Championship on Saturday at Pierce College.

The Roadrunners continue their unbeaten season as they move onto 34-0 after a tough match with the Thunderbirds. Facing just their fourth five-set match of the season, Linn-Benton was able to outlast Highline and win the final set 15-10. This was after Highline took set four by a score of 25-21 in front of a raucous crowd.

The win extends Linn-Benton's overall win streak to 54 matches, having not lost since Sep. 18, 2022 prior to their second NWAC title last year. South Region MVP Grace Boeder was a big part of the team's win as she finished with 12 kills, seven digs and six block assists, including a huge block in the fifth set that swung the momentum in LBCC's favor.

Maddy Hellem for the Roadrunners had 13 kills with 12 digs while Brooklyn Willard had 11 kills and Olivia Hisaw added 10. Meah Carley had a great match from the setter position with 25 assists, 18 digs and two aces. Avery Hughes had 20 assists while Kinsey Brelage added 13 digs. 

The Thunderbirds, who played an overall outstanding match, were led by an 18 kill match from Halle Garrity. Tru Onisuka flew around in the backcourt with 26 digs. Madison Mamizuka had 45 assists and 10 digs, Aspen Olson had 11 kills and Chelsea Velez put up 10 kills with 12 assists. Sonya Fa'amalele was instrumental on the block with one solo block and five block assists. 

Highline will next play in the third place match against Yakima Valley on Sunday at 12 p.m. Linn-Benton will play for their third-straight NWAC Championship, taking on North Idaho at 3 p.m. The two teams met up earlier in the season with Linn-Benton winning by a sweep. However, that match took place very early in the season on Sep. 1, with both teams going undefeated since. 

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