Despite falling in a hard-fought five-set battle against Yakima Valley (19-25, 20-25, 25-21, 26-24, 10-15), Columbia Basin walked off the court Wednesday night with their heads high, showing heart, hustle, and growth in front of the home crowd in Pasco.

After a slow start in the opening two sets, the Hawks found their rhythm midway through the match. Setter Marissa Duncan steered the offense with 45 assists, helping Columbia Basin regroup and surge back with renewed energy. In the third set, Eva Biladeau and Addisen Ford caught fire at the net, combining for 24 kills to swing momentum in the Hawks' favor. Their relentless play carried into the fourth set, where Columbia Basin battled through every rally, overcoming multiple set points to force a decisive fifth.

Defensively, Auddy Gray anchored the back row with 17 digs, while Olivia Willis and Kennedy Ochoa added key serves and clutch defensive plays that kept Yakima Valley on edge. Though the fifth set slipped away late, Columbia Basin's comeback showcased the team's resilience and growing confidence.

"Tonight proved what we're capable of when we trust each other," Duncan said after the match. "We may not have won on the scoreboard, but we took a big step forward."

The Hawks will travel to Blue Mountain on Friday in their final regular season game with first whistle scheduled for 6pm.