WARRENSBURG, Mo. - The University of Colorado Colorado Springs volleyball team (3-3) falls to Pittsburg State (1-4) in straight sets (25-23, 25-12, 25-23) today during the Peggy Martin Challenge. 

Jordan Banich started off the first set strong with four kills and two blocks. Banich finished the match with a team-high 14.5 points, 13 kills, and added 11 digs. 

As strong as Banich started off though, Pittsburg State as a team started off stronger as they took a 20-8 lead to begin the match. The Mountain Lions battled hard, and finished the first set on a 15-5 run, but they fell just short by a final score of 25-23.

The effort that UCCS exuded at the end of the first set was evident in the second set, as they found themselves tied 10-10 before Pittsburg State's offense erupted and went on a 15-2 run to close out the second set. 

The Mountain Lions appeared to regain their energy in the third set as they led by as many as seven points. Pittsburg State weathered the storm though, and made a late run to take the third set 25-23, which closed out the match in straight sets. 

Emily Whitelaw had her best set in the third with four of her six kills in the set. Heather Sanders led the defense for UCCS with a team-high 13 digs. 

Up Next: UCCS will be back in action tomorrow for two more matches in the Peggy Martin Challenge, starting at 11 a.m. against McKendree (1-4).