Chukar Volleyball Starting 2024 Season Hot, 4-0 Record at North Region Invite

[Mt. Vernon, WA] - The Treasure Valley Community College Volleyball team marched into the 2024 season with intention. After finishing the 2023 season ranked fifth in the NWAC East Region standings, and missing a trip to the playoffs by one game, the third-year coaching duo of Rylie Engelson and Nick Bogar were set on making improvements to earn a spot in the tournament this season. With six returning sophomores and eleven freshmen on the roster, the Chukars hit the road for four straight days of competition. On Wednesday, August 21st, TVCC attended the Pacific University Super Scrimmage, where they faced George Fox University (NCAA D3), Clackamas Community College, Pacific University (NCAA D3), Multnomah University (NAIA), and Wenatchee Valley College. On Thursday, August 22nd, the Chukars played their final scrimmage of the preseason, paying a visit to the Lower Columbia College Red Devils. Lower Columbia finished the 2023 season ranked first in the NWAC West Region standings, finishing 11-1 in region play. No scores or stats were posted for the scrimmages, as they do not go towards a team's overall record. 

 

Friday, August 23^rd was the day the 2024 NWAC Volleyball season officially started, and the Chukars made a statement. Whatcom Community College and Skagit Valley College hosted the North Region Invite, where TVCC faced Whatcom and Pierce College on day one. Facing the host school first, Treasure Valley was able to win in straight sets over the Orcas, 25-16, 25-20, 25-17. Karly Clark recorded 15 kills and 13 digs over the three-set matchup. Naomi Shipley finished with 23 assists. In the Chukar vs. Raider matchup, the outcome was again a three-set sweep for TVCC, 25-18, 25-15, 25-12. Clark finished with six more kills to finish day one with 21 kills, Shipley added in another 26 assists to bring her day one total to 49. Six kills were also recorded for Mackenzie Olsen. Addison Adams finished with 10 digs against Pierce. 

 

Wrapping up the long road trip for the Chukars, they faced Skagit Valley College Cardinals on Saturday, August 24th, and finished the day against Shoreline Community College Dolphins. The battle of the birds saw the Chukars coming out on top against the Cardinals in straight sets, 25-14, 25-19, 25-23. Kate Markley played well for the Chukars, ending with 10 kills. Keysha Mckean recorded 12 digs against the Cardinals. Finishing the day against the Dolphins, Treasure Valley earned their final win of the weekend, marking another straight set victory, 25-8, 25-12, 25-10. The Chukars scored on 17 aces as a team, Addison Adams had five of those aces, along with 11 digs of her own. 

 

After a solid week, Coach Engelson shared her thoughts: "It was a great start to the season, and the 4-0 start is a great testament to their hard work so far. We are excited to get back in the gym and work on the little things. We have a lot to learn after a great weekend."

 

TVCC went 4-0 with 12 consecutive set wins at the North Region Invite. The Chukars will fly to Tuscon, AZ to take part in the Pima Community College Aztec Classic Volleyball Tournament on August 30th and 31st. They are scheduled to face host Pima CC, Williston State College (Williston, ND), Scottsdale Community College (Maricopa County, AZ), and Glendale Community College (Glendale, AZ). All four opponents are members of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). After their Arizona trip, Treasure Valley will then host their first home game of the season against the Edmonds College Tritons on Wednesday, September 4th at 6:00pm.