LAKEWOOD, CO – Colorado Christian had a tall task ahead of them in their 2019 home finale.

Despite battling against regionally ranked Dixie State, the Cougars came up short as the Trailblazers notched a 3-1 (25-17, 20-25, 25-12, 25-20) victory on Saturday evening.

HOW IT HAPPENED: The Cougars got off to a strong first set start as they raced out to a 9-4 lead and forced the visitors into a timeout. Dixie State rallied after the timeout and took a 15-14 advantage. Their first lead since the match's first point. The momentum continued for the Trailblazer as they went up 22-15 and never relented in taking the opening stanza.

Similar to the first set Colorado Christian registered an early lead (9-5) but this time they kept control as Dixie State called a timeout with the home team ahead 13-9. The final timeout Trailblazer came as the home team push their advantage to 17-12. Colorado Christian continued with that drive as they tied the contest as a set each. During that second set win, the home team notched a .346 hitting percentage.

The early portion of the third set went to Dixie State. The Trailblazers held an 11-3 edge and never let Colorado Christian back into the stanza. Dixie State registered a solid .312 hitting percentage while holding the home team hitting mark in negative numbers.

As the fourth set unfolded neither team held an early significant lead until just before the midway point. Tied at 10-10, Dixie State rattled off five of the next six points as the Cougars asked for a timeout. After the stoppage, the Cougars scored four straight to tie the frame at 15-15. But that was the last gasp for the Cougars as Dixie State scored seven of the next eight en route to securing the set and match.

COUGAR LEADERS: Cali Bahnsen had a team high 14 kills while Jacey Johnson chipped-in a 10-dig effort. Defensively Mariela Gonzalez had a match best 21 digs while Christa Tucker added 10.

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

• The Trailblazers held a 12-3 edge in total blocks
• Dixie State's Megan Trainor was one dig away from a triple-double (16 kills, 11 assists)
• Both teams had two players with 10 or more assists

UP NEXT: The Cougars conclude the season in one week when they travel to No. 9 Regis for a 7 p.m.