YAKIMA — The Wenatchee Valley College volleyball team missed its chance to take control of the fourth spot in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges East Region on Wednesday.

The Knights entered the contest tied with Columbia Basin for fourth place in the region (the top four teams in the East advance to postseason play), but couldn’t take advantage of the Hawks’ Wednesday loss, losing to Yakima Valley 25-13, 25-19, 16-25, 23-25, 15-10.

WVC (11-15 overall, 4-5 East), which beat the Yaks in five sets earlier in the season, remains in a fourth-place tie with CBC.

“We needed to (win this one),” said Knights coach Kelly Ketcham. “We knew that we’d have our hands full with (Yakima), though. We’ve seen some of their recent scores, and they’re playing better, they’re on their home court, and we’re still (not at full strength). We made more life difficult to try to win a postseason spot.”

WVC regained the services of sophomore middle blocker Randi Wales, who missed the team’s Oct. 10 match against CBC and last weekend’s crossover tournament in Coos Bay, Ore., with an eye issue. However, the Knights were still missing their leading hitter, freshman Jordan Lautenbach, who has a knee injury.

Ketcham noted that his team’s 10 service errors Wednesday hindered its efforts.

“We’re a little uneven set to set in terms of serving and passing,” he said. “We have to get more consistent, and as soon as the other team gives us an opportunity, we have to execute. Tonight we left opportunities on the table. But I’m proud of this team in terms of how hard they fight. There’s a quality of character there that I’m expecting will be important for us if we get into a big match to get into the playoffs or at the playoffs. Even though they’re young and uneven in terms of execution, they’re strong of heart.”

Chancy Gill led the Knights with 14 kills.

Men’s soccer

Walla Walla 7, WVC 1

Chris Ulloa scored for WVC in the 78th minute off an assist from Chris Perez, but the Knights (2-9-1, 0-6-1) fell to East-leading Walla Walla.

Women’s soccer

Walla Walla 10, WVC 1

Tash Anderson scored four goals, and Walla Walla kept WVC (0-12-0, 0-9-0) winless.