Spokane Battles Past Highline in Five-Set Thriller to Advance in Regionals

Spokane Volleyball dug deep and delivered when it mattered most, battling past Highline in a dramatic five-set victory (25–22, 25–17, 17–25, 22–25, 15–9) on Saturday afternoon to punch their ticket to the second round of the NWAC Regional Tournament.

The Sasquatch came out strong, taking control early with a balanced attack to win the first two sets. Aubree Lane and Joy Assonken powered the offense, each finishing with 12 kills, while Spokane hit .333 in the opening frame to seize momentum.

Highline fought back, claiming the third and fourth sets behind improved attacking and defensive pressure, forcing the match into a decisive fifth set.

But in the race to 15, Spokane refused to flinch.

Behind steady setting from Bailey Jaworski (21 assists, two aces), strong defense led by libero Annika Furr (11 digs), and clutch swings from Lane, Assonken, and Alexis Stolp (11 kills), the Sasquatch surged ahead early and never looked back. Spokane out-hit Highline .133 to .000 in the final frame and sealed the win with a dominant 15–9 finish.

Lainey Calvary and Kaylee Winterroth were forces at the net, combining for four blocks and helping Spokane control key points down the stretch. In total, Spokane tallied 16 block assists and nine service aces in a gritty, full-team performance.

With the road win, Spokane advances to the second round of regionals, continuing their postseason push.