EUGENE, Ore.  – For the first time in school history, the Beacons volleyball team will host a first-round playoff game as they clinched a top-four finish on Saturday with a senior night victory over Evergreen, 25-19, 25-19, 25-18.
 
The Beacons (18-6, 14-6) got a much-needed victory that ended a three-game losing streak, and did so behind the strength of the three seniors that were honored before the game. Callie Wilkins led the team with 14 digs and three service aces and Jackie Harmon added 13 digs and an ace. Camille Guerrero hit .400 and posted a match-high 13 kills, adding eight digs.
 
Head Coach Jason Corwin said, "We needed some veteran leadership tonight and the seniors provided it. Jackie and Callie were lights out in the back row and in serve and when we needed a point, Camille was there. It was a dominant performance from her, and put so much pressure on Evergreen."
 
The Beacons hit .228 as a team, held an 8-2 advantage in service aces and out-blocked the Geoducks, 8-7. Makenna Northern posted a double-double with 33 assists and 10 digs, Shay Coons added 10 kills and Payton Jones scored seven kills and five blocks.
 
After a few rough outings, the Beacons made a few adjustments to the rotation on Saturday, one that included bringing in Jessica Northcutt and Peyton Ritchie for just a single rotation. "We threw in a wrinkle tonight with something we've never done before," said Corwin. "For a rotation and a half, I think it's really difficult to come into the game and make a positive impact. They did everything we asked and a ton more, making it look easier than it is to go in cold."
 
The Geoducks (10-11, 10-10) were led by Zoe Shaw, collecting 11 kills and a match-high 21 digs. Sierra Wolff added 29 assists and three blocks and Jayln Sackrider led the team with four blocks.
 
The victory, combined with a loss for Northwest to Corban gives the Beacons a three-game lead over the Eagles for fourth place with two games remaining in the regular season. Bushnell will hit the road next weekend to close out against Lewis-Clark State and Walla Walla, and return home on November 9 for the CCC Quarterfinals.