Columbia Basin showed grit and toughness Friday night inside their home gym, battling every point against a tough Walla Walla squad before falling in straight sets (23-25, 18-25, 17-25).

The Hawks came out energized in the opener, trading blows with the Warriors in a back-and-forth frame that featured three ties. Led by Eva Biladeau's 10 kills and steady setting from Naylanee Strom-Torres, Columbia Basin kept Walla Walla on its heels and nearly pushed the set to extra points before falling just short, 25-23.

In the second, the Hawks continued to generate offense, with Adalei Lefebvre and Addisen Ford combining for 12 points at the net. Setter Marissa Duncan chipped in 11 assists and two service aces to keep the Hawks within striking distance.

Defensively, Paisley Miller dug a team-high 10 balls, while Strom-Torres and Olivia Willis each added nine. Columbia Basin matched Walla Walla with 59 total digs, proving they could extend rallies and frustrate one of the region's top attacks. At the net, Lefebvre's four blocks and Biladeau's two more helped the Hawks rack up six team blocks on the night.

CBC will host Wenatchee Valley Wednesday night as they look to right the ship at home starting at 6pm.