One hour into Tuesday night's match in Lakewood, CCU Volleyball was on the ropes and fans were beginning to lose hope. One hour after that, the tables had completely turned, and the Cougar squad was fast on their way to a statement five-set win. Though for the casual observer, it was just another dramatic home victory, for CCU players and coaches it was anything but. With the RMAC playoffs looming in the distance, Tuesday's match lends implications which could prove to be fate-impacting important for a Christian team eager for a return to the post-season.
 
The night's match began predictably even, as both CCU and Colorado State Pueblo brought 11-8 and 5-5 records into the contest. Locked in a back-and-forth duel, the teams battled fiercely for a coveted advantage, before finally settling for a pair of 26-24 CSUP wins. The stat sheet revealed the symmetry between the teams, with small advantages tipping the scales in Pueblo's favor.
 
Everything changed in the third set, when a small Christian spark burst into an inextinguishable flame. On their way to the deadliest offensive performance in memory, CCU assaulted the Thunderwolves with a scorching .640 team attack percentage. The set saw four Cougar hitters combine for 14 kills without a single error, resulting in an impressive 25-16 win. Though they still trailed in the match, it was becoming obvious that Colorado Christian had commandeered the night's fate.
 
With senior Ali Weber leading the way in game four, the Cougars turned up the throttle. From the service line, Weber rattled off seven straight points, giving CCU a comfortable lead they wouldn't relinquish. A 16-kill, one-error team effort (.429) resulted in a 25-11 win, and one more set would be played.
 
Though CSUP earned the first two points of the finale, Christian's momentum still rolled. By then there was little the visiting 'Wolves could do to stop the Cougars, who wrapped the game hitting .526.
 
"We have been working on getting tough, fast-paced swings on out-of-system balls all season, and that has definitely contributed to high hitting numbers," explained Weber after the match. The senior middle hit .306 at the net, tallying 16 kills and just one miscue against the Thunderwolves. "Tonight our goal was to give 100% effort and attitude on every play, and we also wanted to slow down Pueblo's offense. We were able to accomplish those things."
 
Helping Weber in the effort were Kaylee Pierce, Angela Jurek, and Marnie McIlraith. Pierce led all hitters with a 22-kill showing, ending the night with a .442 clip from the right side. Jurek's attack from the middle proved CCU's most lethal, as the freshman hammered 12 kills without a single error. McIlraith added 16 kills from the pin.
 
"We knew we wanted the win tonight, but also knew we didn't need to do anything special," added McIlraith. "We just needed to do our jobs on our side of the net and play our best game. We focused on each ball and didn't let the game count get in our heads."
 
Of course, matches aren't won on offense alone. With Joelle LeFevre (30 digs) leading the way, the Cougars racked up an impressive 92 digs – 23 more than their opponents on the other side of the net. Junior Taylor Sturms added 24, while Jordan Carswell tallied ten.
 
Three more matches sit on the Colorado Christian schedule this week – they'll travel north for matches at Chadron, Black Hills State, and SD Mines.
 
Weber's maturity has her cautiously looking ahead.
 
"Tonight's match put some wind under our wings; I think we have some confidence going into this weekend, but still humble hearts in knowing that the RMAC is a bloodbath, and we have to be prepared to give our all every match."
 
CCU will square off against Chadron Friday. The Eagles enter the match with a 3-16 overall record and a 2-9 mark in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play.