Roadrunners Advance to Final Four With 3-1 Win Over Bellevue

COURTESY: NWAC

LAKEWOOD, Wash. – The Linn-Benton Roadrunners' title defense will continue another day as they defeated Bellevue 3-1 (20-25, 27-25, 24-13, 25-18) in the first match of the 2024 NWAC Volleyball Championship Elite Eight, on Friday at Pierce College.

The win for the Roadrunners increases their winning streak to 87-straight matches, dating back to the 2022 season.

The Bulldogs came out firing in the first set hitting .393 to win 25-20 and end the Roadrunners' streak of 82-straight sets won.

Bellevue almost took a commanding 2-0 lead in the match as the second set required extra points. Linn-Benton had the first set point at 24-23, but Bellevue took two points in a row to grab set point at 25-24. The Roadrunners showed their poise to avoid a 2-0 deficit, winning the next three points to win 27-25 and even the score.

Linn-Benton dominated set three with a .320 hitting percentage while forcing eight Bulldog errors to win 25-13.

The Roadrunners closed out the match with another strong set in the fourth, hitting .303 while forcing seven more Bulldog errors.

Grace Luttrell, Rowan Reilly and Brooklyn Willard led LBCC with 11 kills each. Luttrell was especially effective with a .563 hitting percentage.

The Roadrunners gained some momentum using their strong serves, recording eight aces with just three service errors. Avery Hughes and Kinsey Brelage each had two aces. Hughes led the team with 25 assists while Meah Carley had 21. Brelage finished with 12 digs and Willard had 13. Annabelle Peterson was big up front for the Beaks with two solo blocks and two block assists.

Bellevue used its strong up-front presence to record eight blocks in the match. Annie Goetze, Karisa Martin and Mya Hejl each had three block assists.

Alexis Echols paced the Bulldogs with 14 kills and a .300 hitting percentage. Jessi Mahler had 13 kills with 10 digs. Mandi Nottingham led all players with 31 assists.

Bellevue wraps up its season with another strong year, posting a 26-9 overall record while qualifying for the Elite Eight.

Linn-Benton moves into the semifinals where they await either Yakima Valley or Highline. The semifinal match will be played at 2 p.m. at Pierce College.

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