Chukar Volleyball Wins Program's First Ever Volleyball Title in Five Set Thriller

PASCO, Wash. — The Treasure Valley Chukars won their first-ever NWAC Volleyball title on Sunday, defeating Bellevue in a five-set instant classic match in the final of the 2025 NWAC Volleyball Championship, hosted by Columbia Basin College.

Having never reached the final before, the Chukars clinched the program's first title in incredible fashion. Down 2-1 in sets, TVCC won a close fourth set by just a 25-23 score before dominating 15-6 in the fifth set to claim the title.

Sophomore outside hitter Katelyn Markley was named the Tournament Most Valuable Player after she finished with 17 kills and 26 digs in the championship match. Markley, who plays all six rotations for TVCC, had 53 kills and 58 digs in the three Elite 8 matches this weekend. Rylie Engelson earns her first championship as head coach of the Chukars.

The opening set between the Chukars and the Bulldogs commenced with Bellevue quickly establishing an early lead, driven by kills from Karisa Martin and Ava Nowak. TVCC responded with Katelyn Markley scoring consecutive points, leveling the score at 2-2. Bellevue capitalized on a series of attack errors by TVCC, extending their lead to 7-3. Midway through the set, Bellevue's consistent attacks, including a service ace from Maile Kuamo'o, pushed their advantage to 16-11.

Treasure Valley called a timeout trailing 19-11, which helped them regroup as they mounted a comeback with a 6-0 run, narrowing the gap to 23-22. Key defensive plays, including blocks by Vivian Schmidt and Rylee Miller, contributed to the rally. However, a service error by TVCC handed Bellevue set point, and they clinched the set 25-22 after a block by Olivia Chilton and Mya Hejl.

The Chukars secured the second set with a 25-18 victory over Bellevue, capitalizing on a sequence of strong serves and consistent attacks. Clark and Markley were pivotal in the scoring, with Clark recording multiple kills. A significant turning point came from Josey Cook, who delivered consecutive service aces, contributing to a five-point run that extended TVCC's lead to 10-6. Bellevue attempted to rally but was unable to bridge the gap, as the Chukars closed the set with a decisive kill by Markley, assisted by Naomi Shipley.

The Bulldogs secured a decisive 25-16 victory in the third set against the Chukars, capitalizing on a series of offensive plays and errors. Gillian Merhoff opened the scoring with a kill, contributing significantly with multiple kills. Lucci Unga frequently assisted, providing setups for both Merhoff and Martin. TVCC managed to close the gap to 15-14 with a series of points from Clark's kills and opponent errors. However, Bellevue pulled away with a strong finish, including a service ace by Olivia Deckard and a final point from an attack error by Ella Leishman. Bellevue's coordinated effort, highlighted by effective assists and strategic plays, led to their victory in this set.

TVCC emerged victorious in a closely contested fourth set against Bellevue, winning 25-23. Clark helped build an early 3-0 lead with two consecutive kills assisted by Shipley. Bellevue responded with a service ace and a series of kills, including contributions from Martin, to tie the score at 3-3. The teams traded points, with Bellevue taking a brief 7-5 lead after a service ace by Kuamo'o. TVCC then gained momentum with a 4-0 run, aided by blocks from Leishman and Schmidt, to lead 10-8. Despite Bellevue's efforts to close the gap, highlighted by kills from Merhoff, TVCC maintained their edge. Kynnsington Bandley's kill, assisted by Shipley, put Treasure at set point, and a subsequent attack error by Martin clinched the set for Treasure Valley.

Treasure Valley took control early in the fifth and deciding set, starting with a kill by Clark and two consecutive service aces from Lexi Barnes to lead 3-0. After a brief Bellevue response, TVCC extended the lead to 5-1 with kills by Bandley and Markley, both assisted by Shipley. Bellevue called a timeout when TVCC widened the gap to 10-3, but the visitors maintained their momentum with a block by Markley and Schmidt. Despite Bellevue's efforts, a service ace by Dominixe Celaya and a final kill from Clark sealed the 15-6 victory and the championshi pfor Treasure Valley.

Shipley had 36 assists and added 19 digs for TVCC. Clark was another standout player, contributing 21 kills and securing 36 digs. Schmidt provided a strong presence at the net, recording a team-high five total blocks, including one solo block and four block assists.

NWAC All-Tournament
Most Valuable Player: Katelyn Markley, Treasure Valley

First Team
Karly Clark, Treasure Valley
Naomi Shipley, Treasure Valley
Mya Hejl, Bellevue
Olivia Deckard, Bellevue
Haley Yost, Edmonds
Shayla Lacamiento, Rogue

Second Team
Josey Cook, Treasure Valley
Karisa Martin, Bellevue
Meredith Moszeter, Edmonds
Danica Becerril, Rogue
Lana Gillas, Linn-Benton
Lainey Calvary, Spokane
Ava Swan, Yakima Valley
Kennedy Coleman, Walla Walla