After five sets and a home opener nothing short of exciting, the Cougars dealt Angelo State their first loss of the year. When the teams met last season, the Belles took two wins back-to-back. But this time the rematch was in the Cougars favor. Coming into the match the Belles were not only undefeated, but are also receiving votes for the AVCA top 25. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: With the bleachers packed and adrenaline high, the Cougars came in to set one on fire. Playing a clean game, Colorado Christian was up mid-way through the set, 16-14, forcing an Angelo State timeout. Unable to stop the momentum, the Cougars went on a 3-0 run to make the score 19-14 forcing yet another timeout. The Belles tried to inch their way back, but with a solo block from Kylee Wurster to put them up 22-15 the Cougars were unable to be stopped and took the set 25-17.

Not happy about the loss, the Belles came out and started the set with a 4-0 run. When the streak continued to 8-1, the Cougars called a timeout. The trend however continued, and the Cougars found themselves down by 8, 15-7. The combination of strong serving from Angelo State and unforced errors from Colorado Christian lead the Belles to take set two, 25-16.

Set three was off to a more even start, and had the teams tied at 7. Each team had their own runs, giving the Cougars a lead of 11-8 at one point. But Angelo State responded with a run of their own, going up 14-12 to force a Cougar timeout. The Belles took the game from there, with an unstoppable offense giving them a four point win.

The fourth set was dominated by Colorado Christian, who took the lead from the start and never let it go. The Cougars hit .276 as a team and had an 80 percent side out percentage. Cali Bahnsen lead the team with six kills for a match high.

Colorado Christian was able to carry off of their momentum from set four to put them up 5-1 to start the fifth. But the Belles were not backing down, and although the Cougars had the upper hand at the switch 8-6, Angelo State tied it up at 8. The Belles continued their run to go up 10-8, but the Cougars fought back to tie it up yet again at 10. Not letting the pressure get to them, the Cougars played lights out landing three incredible kills, an ace, and a block to seal the win 15-12.

Stat wise the teams were neck-and-neck. They tied in blocks with 18 each, and both teams also struggled from the serving line. Angelo State gave away 15 points from serving errors, and Colorado Christian gave 11. The Belles finished with a .170 hitting percentage, and the Cougars with a .174.

MATCH LEADERS: With incredible numbers across the board, the leading hitting percentage came from setter Kylee Wurster with a .667 after 7 kills, 41 assists, and 11 digs. Hope Baldrica was next in line in percentage, hitting .364 with 10 kills and 4 blocks. Cali Bahnsen lead the team in kills with 15, hitting .303. The last hitter on the .300 line was Katie Henry, hitting .300 with 8 kills and 4 blocks.

UP NEXT: Both teams will compete in the Premiere Tournament this weekend in Denver, Colorado to finish up their non-conference campaign. The Cougars first game will be against Southwest Minnesota State on August 31st at 11 a.m., followed by a match at 2:30 p.m. against Saint Leo.