Linn-Benton defeated Columbia Basin in the home opener in a 5-set slugfest. Zuri Reeser lead the Hawks with 19 kills while Kaylie Christopher added 14.

Basin was tasked with facing undefeated Linn-Benton at home to open up the homestand in 2024. The last time Linn-Benton had lost a match was in 2022 right on Holden Court to CBC and the Hawks were looking to break that streak again. Both teams went blow for blow in the first set with neither leading by more than 3 at a time. After a timeout and the score tied 16-16, Basin jumped up 23-18 while LB made a late rally to cut it to 24-23 but Reeser was able to put it away with a big kill.

Early in the 2nd set, setter Yajaira Meraz suffered a wrist injury that sidelined her the rest of the game. The Roadrunners were able to take advantage as CBC began tweaking the lineup to find a good fit. Sets 2 and 3 went to Linn-Benton convincingly. Christopher lead a big 4th set comeback to propel the Hawks back into the match 25-16. Midway through the 5th set tied at 6-6, a few breaks and calls went Linn-Bentons' way as they were able to stave off a late Hawk rally to emerge with the 15-11 set win and the match.

CBC will get a chance to rebound this weekend as they open up play in the 3rd annual Coach G Memorial Invitational at 11am against Umpqua.