Umpqua volleyball puts up fight in season-opening loss

It was a tough start to the season for the Umpqua women’s volleyball team on Monday in Longview, Washington. The Riverhawks opened their 2024 slate with a straight-sets loss to Lower Columbia, the runner-up at last year’s NWAC championship tournament.

Despite getting swept in the match, the Riverhawks put up a challenge against the Red Devils. The first set was never separated by more than three points and UCC dropped the final two sets 25-18 and 25-17.

Brooklyn Ledford led the Riverhawks’ attack with seven kills. Layla Pappas had a team-high 12 assists and Kenedie Witherow had 10 digs.

Up next, the Riverhawks will play three matches in the Coach G Memorial Invite starting Friday at Columbia Basin College. UCC will face Columbia Basin and Lower Columbia on Friday and wrap-up with a match against Whatcom on Saturday.