History Repeats as Beacons Sweep No. 4 Corban

EUGENE, Ore. – For the second straight season, Corban University walked into Bushnell as the No. 4-ranked team in the NAIA and for the second straight year Corban University walked out of the Morse Center having been defeated by the Beacons.
 
After outlasting Corban in a five-set thriller last season, Bushnell delivered an even more emphatic statement Wednesday night, sweeping its Willamette Valley rival 25-22, 25-22, 25-15 in the Cascade Collegiate Conference opener.
 
The Beacons (6-2, 1-0 CCC) open up the Cascade Collegiate Conference schedule in a big way, matching their highest ranked victory in school history. They did so behind a strong .301 attack and an uncharacteristic 14 unforced attacking errors by the Warriors.
 
Bushnell established control early, racing to a 6-1 advantage in the opening set. Teagan Dixon helped set the tone with back-to-back kills and a block assist, finishing the frame with four kills on four swings while contributing to two of the Beacons’ five team blocks.
 
“I am so proud of the team we have become and just how well we connect,” said Dixon. “I really have so much fun playing with everyone. This was an exciting way to start out CCC play and we are excited for what is to come.”
 
Corban responded in the second set and used a five-point service run from Kawena Crowell to build a 12-7 lead. Bushnell remained composed, gradually closing the gap before evening the score at 16-16. From there, the Beacons seized control once again to move within one set of the sweep. This time Jerzie Bair sparked the offense, recording six kills on seven swings without committing an error.
 
“Our energy was high, our vibes were high, and we were fluid tonight,” said Bair. “Taking our rivals on our home court was a fight we were ready for. We were united as a team and had the fire to get it done.”
 
The third set belonged entirely to Bushnell.
 
After Corban briefly grabbed a 6-5 advantage, the Beacons erupted for a 14-5 run to open a commanding 20-10 lead and never looked back. Taya Blankenship powered the surge, collecting six kills in the set without an error. Blankenship finished with a match-high 12 kills and added a team-best 10 digs for a double-double.
 
She said, “I am just so extremely proud of how we showed up for each other tonight. Everyone brought so much energy and fight and girls stepped up when we needed it. This was such a fun win and I feel like we are only getting started.”
 
Bushnell received contributions throughout the lineup. Emma Fa’alogo and Avery McAlister each dished out 18 assists as the Beacons’ offense stayed in rhythm from start to finish.
 
Fa’alogo said, “This team has put in a lot of work, playing six matches in the last week. It all came together and has proven not just to ourselves but to everyone that we are a great team.”
 
McAlister added, “We play with fire and every play is so exciting. I think our chemistry really showed on the court tonight and I continue to be grateful to get to play with all of my favorite people.”
 
Senior middle blocker Soliel Sands delivered one of the night’s most efficient performances, hitting .571 with eight kills, no attack errors, and four blocks. She said, “we have been training to play under pressure for a while now and this was proof that we can compete with confidence. Everyone brought the heat tonight. We had objectives and personal goals and we executed them perfectly.”
 
Dixon added seven kills and two blocks while hitting .545. Bair finished with eight kills and three blocks, and Amyah Semau recorded nine kills with just one attack error.
 
“The energy in our gym tonight was amazing,” said Semau. “We stayed consistent and kept our standard of play and we were fueled by a great crowd.”
 
Corban (7-3, 0-1) was led in defeat by Kendra Bittle, scoring eight kills and ten digs. Nadeiah Howard earned 16 assists while Dani Street led all players with 13 digs.
 
UP NEXT: Bushnell will keep the CCC schedule rolling on Thursday night as they travel to Portland to take on Warner Pacific University (0-1) at 6:00 pm.