Crimson Hawks Volleyball Breaks Through in NEA Play, Splits Week with Riverside and Lakeside

Last week offered both a glimpse of what the Crimson Hawks volleyball squad can be and a reminder of the work still ahead. Colville picked up one of its strongest victories of the season Sept. 29, sweeping Riverside in three sets to earn its first North- east A League win, before falling to Lakeside two days later. The split moved the Crimson Hawks to 2-8 overall and 1-1 in NEA play. Against Riverside, Colville came out quickly and never allowed the Rams to force a fourth set, winning 25-16, 26-24, and 26-24.

The opening set was Colville’s most comfortable of the night. The Crimson Hawks built separation and closed out a nine-point win, but Riverside made them earn the next two. Both the second and third sets went beyond the standard 25 points, and both ended the same way: with Colville surviving a 26-24 battle. Those tight finishes may have been as important as the victory itself for a team that has spent much of the early season trying to win those close battles. Georgia Beardslee led the Colville attack with 13 kills and was equally important defensively, finishing with a team-high 17 digs.

Aubree Kubesh made an impact in several areas, leading the Crimson Hawks with seven aces and five blocks. Andrea Edwards directed the offense and finished with 13 assists. The victory gave Colville its second win of the season and, more importantly, put the Crimson Hawks in the win column to begin their NEA schedule. Two nights later, Colville faced a tougher challenge against Lakeside. The Eagles controlled the match in a 25- 10, 25-15, and 25-14 sweep on Oct. 1, preventing the Crimson Hawks from carrying their momentum into a second straight league victory.

Beardslee again paced Colville at the net with five kills and led the back row with 12 digs. Hannah King recorded a team-high two aces, while Katie Ray finished with five assists. Taya Kinney and Rylee Brisby were credited with a double block for the Crimson Hawks. Although the Lakeside result was a setback, the two matches showed some of the pieces Colville will look to build around as the league season continues. Beardslee was the Crimson Hawks’ kills and digs leader in both matches, giving Colville a consistent presence on both sides of the ball.

She combined for 18 kills and 29 digs across the two contests. Kubesh’s performance against Riverside also provided Colville with production beyond its primary hitters. Her seven aces helped put pressure on the Rams from the service line, while her five blocks gave the Crimson Hawks a presence at the net.