LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs volleyball team opened the 2018 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference volleyball season Friday at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, Colo.  The Mountain Lions fell in the conference opener to the Cougars, 3-1.
 
UCCS started strong after winning the first set, 25-19.  The Mountain Lions hit .360 in the set behind Alyssa Brinton's five kills and .571 hitting mark.  The Mountain Lions also notched a 57 sideout percent (11-of-19).
 
CCU tied the match in set two, 25-19, before claiming the final sets 25-16 and 25-17.
 
The Mountain Lions were held to a .083 hitting percentage from 41 kills and 132 attempts (30 errors).
 
Raelynn Edge tallied 37 assists, 11 of which came from Grace Nelson's team high 11 kills. Brinton finished with eight kills and 11 digs.  Taylor Smith posted nine kills and added two blocks at the net.
 
Jordyn Kinsey led both teams with 16 digs.
 
The Cougars Jacey Johnson and Cali Bahnsen recorded 15 and 14 kills, respectively.
 
UCCS will return to Denver on Saturday to face No. 15 Regis University at 5 p.m.