KEARNEY, Neb. - Two down and counting -
The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs won the second of three matches it will play at the second Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference East/West Crossover Tournament, defeating the Adams State Grizzlies 3-1 (23-30, 30-18, 30-25, 30-19) Saturday at the Health and Sports Center.
It was the Mountain Lions' sixth win in their past seven matches and improved their record to 10-10, 7-5 in RMAC play.
Diane Sheldon and
Cortney Weedman, who were matched together in the substitution rotation, clicked. Sheldon drilled 20 kills and Weedman had 37 assists. The duo did a good job recognizing the opportunities Adams State allowed them.
"They were giving me (the) line and I like hitting line," said Sheldon. "Cortney was setting fantastic and their block was floating so I had a big hole."
The Mountain Lions continued their recent efficient offensive play, hitting a season-high .271. UCCS' past three matches represent three of their four best hitting matches of the season.
But Saturday's match started poorly for the Mountain Lions. Adams State (4-17, 3-9 RMAC) erased an early 4-2 deficit and reeled off a 13-5 run. The lethargic UCCS squad never recovered, dropping Game 1 30-23.
The poor start continued a disturbing trend for the Mountain Lions, who have managed only one three-game win this season.
"We came out slow this morning and didn't seem to be awake," said Sheldon.
UCCS has been looking to find the killer instinct to put teams away.
"I think that's the biggest thing that's been plaguing us this year " the mental game," said Sheldon. "Physically, I think we're bigger, faster and stronger than anybody."
Brooke Akers added 14 kills for UCCS. The junior also had no hitting errors, which allowed her to hit a whopping .538.
Caroline Ottino added 12 kills.
Tiffany Stockenbrand led Adams State with 3 kills while Jessie Pickens and Darcy Jennings added 12 each.
The Mountain Lions will play their final match of the tournament at 3 p.m. CST against Western State.
