LAKEWOOD, CO – Looking for a chance to play spoiler and build momentum as the first half of RMAC play comes to a close, the Cougars had an opportunity to do both on Friday evening.

Despite playing valiantly against Colorado Mesa the Cougars couldn't find the winning formula as the visitors prevailed 3-1 (25-23, 22-25, 27-25, 25-18).

HOW IT HAPPENED: The defending RMAC tournament champions were given a battle from the Cougars. In the opening set the Mavericks pulled ahead and had six set points. Colorado Christian made them sweat out a first set win as the Cougars won five straight points before the visitors eeked-out an opening set victory.

Colorado Christian took an early lead in the second stanza and continued to hold that advantage. They never trailed during the frame as they knotted the match. During the pivotal third set there were 12 ties and four lead changes. The Cougars had a set point but Colorado Mesa fought that off before prevailing on their second set point opportunity.

During the final stanza the Mavericks jumped out to a 5-1 lead and never relented. Colorado Christian couldn't rally to closer than four points the rest of the way as Colorado Mesa closed out the contest.

COUGAR LEADERS: Cali Bahnsen registered a match high 17 kills while hitting .326 to pace the Cougars offense. Kristy Dick was also effect as she notched a .444 hitting percentage with eight kills.

Maddie Burns had 48 assists and eight digs from her setter position. Defensively Mariela Gonzalez had 19 digs which brings her career total to 1,992.

INSIDE THE BOXCORE

• The Cougars posted a 15-7 blocking edge
• Colorado Mesa hit .217 as a team while the Cougars hit .179
• Kasie Gilfert had a team best 14 kills for the visitors

UP NEXT: On Saturday evening the Cougars host Western at 5 p.m.