COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs Volleyball team began their conference schedule, as they played host to the South Dakota School of Mines Hardrockers. The Mountain Lions were seemingly in control the entire match, as they cruised to a three set to none victory.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
- Final Score vs. South Dakota Mines: 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-23)
- Records: UCCS (3-6, 1-0 RMAC) | SDM (6-3, 0-1 RMAC)
- Facility | Location: Gallogly Events Center| Colorado Springs, Colo.
- All-Time Series: The Mountain Lions now lead the all-time series against the Hardrockers, 10-2.
HOW IT HAPPENED VS. SOUTH DAKOTA MINES
- After falling behind early in the set, an ace from Julia Geiger and a kill from Raegen Emery knotted the score at five points a piece. UCCS would never trail again in the set, as they saw a balanced attack across the board. Four different Mountain Lions recorded an ace in the set, with six tallying at least one kill. A kill from Lauryn Shockley, set up by Joei Barela, gave the home crew a 25-21 victory in the first set.
- The second set was much closer, as the lead changed hands seven times with 13 tie scores. With the score sitting at 17-16, in favor of the Mountain Lions, freshman Sydnee Walker served up three consecutive aces, fully swinging the momentum in favor of UCCS. The lead was never given back to the Hardrockers, as the Mountain Lions took the second set, 25-21.
- Back-to-back kills from Emery opened up the lead for UCCS, as they went up 3-2 in the third frame. The rest of the set remained competitive, as neither side went on an extended run of any kind. Walker led the set with six kills, as Nicole Medlin and Emery added three of their own. The Mountain Lions boasted a perfect reception percentage, as they went on to win the set 25-23, earning a sweep to open up conference play.
MATCH STATISTICS VS. SOUTH DAKOTA MINES
- Walker led the match with 10 kills, adding 10 digs and one block. Medlin and Emery both registered nine kills a piece.
- Barela recorded a match-high 30 assists, as she also had one kill and a solo block.
- Walker and Shockley led the match with four aces each. As a team, the Mountain Lions notched 12 aces.
- The Mountain Lions hit .135, fielding a reception percentage of .951 and digging up 60 Hardrocker attacks.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- The Mountain Lions started RMAC play with their first 3-0 win of the season.
- Their 12 aces are the most in a three-set match this season. Shockley tied a career-high with four aces.
- Emery's 14 digs set a new career high, as the redshirt junior tied her season best with two aces.
- Walker registered a career-high four aces, as she also hit a career best .320 for the match.
- As a team, the Mountain Lion's 37 kills and 126 attempts are the most in a three-set match this season.
UP NEXT
- The Mountain Lions will be back at home tomorrow night, as they host the Black Hills State University Yellow Jackets for their annual White Out Night. The first 300 UCCS students will receive a free "White Out" t-shirt. First serve will be at 6 p.m. (MST).
SOCIAL
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As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs competes in 14 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.
