Colorado Christian Volleyball had no trouble getting through pool play at the 2014 NCCAA Regional. One day after cruising through the tournament's opening match, the Cougars crushed two more Central Region opponents, winning in three both times to remain unscathed in NCCAA post-season play. Friday, the blue and gold knocked off host McMurry University before downing Southwestern Assemblies of God University to advance to the championship match.
 
Continuing where they left off last night, the Christian offense imposed their will at the net. On their way to an 87-kill day, CCU hit an impressive .411 compared to a combined .064 (44 kills) from their opponents. The potent combo of Taylor Sturms and Kaylee Pierce proved too much for both McMurry and SAGU, and by the end of the day the two had combined for 55 kills and only six errors.
 
"Our theme for this weekend was to rise," explained Sturms on Friday night. "We wanted to rise to the occasion and to play to the fullness of our abilities. We were able to do that. We executed our game plan and kept our focus on the things we do well. I think this helped boost our confidence and we are ready to tackle the rest of the tournament."
 
Indeed, the Cougars played big, siding out with ease and executing with nearly every touch. Against McMurry, Joelle LeFevre led CCU to a 47-dig showing – impressively better than 27 from the War Hawks. The freshman libero repeated her defensive prominence in the nightcap, accounting for half of Colorado Christian's digs in the back row.
 
Thanks in part to the leadership of senior setter Jordan Kessler (71 assists), the Cougars allowed their competition to earn just 53 combined points – fewer than CCU would score in either match.
 
Only one match remains on the weekend's schedule – Saturday's championship contest between the Cougars and Oklahoma Wesleyan. With an automatic berth to the NCCAA National Championships on the line and a weekend's worth of strong play under their belts, there's no doubt the CCU squad is eager to get back to work.
 
"We are playing for each other and for God."
 
The rematch is slated for 11am.