LAS VEGAS, NM – It was a bit nerve wrecking but in the end it was a win.

In a five-set battle, Colorado Christian overcame a match point to produce a 3-2 (23-25, 25-23, 25-18, 24-26, 16-14) victory over New Mexico Highlands.

HOW IT HAPPENED: In the opening stanza it looked like New Mexico Highlands was on its way to an easy win. However, the Cougars battled. Even though Colorado Christian won 11 of the set's last 14 points, the home team was able to eek out an early match lead.

A battle ensued in the second stanza that set the momentum for the rest of the match. Trading points down the stretch, Ashley Drye produced a kill on the Cougars first set point to tie the contest at one set each. Colorado Christian took advantage of 11 attack errors from New Mexico Highlands in helping them create the energy needed down the stretch.

In the critical third set, the Cougars took an 11-11 score and pounced on the Cowgirls with a 10-3 scoring spurt to take a seven point advantage. Colorado Christian never let the Cowgirls back within a workable deficit as they pulled within one set of the match win.

During that fourth set, a back-and-forth affair ensued. Tied on numerous occasions, the Cowgirls did just enough over the last handful of points to force a decisive final frame. New Mexico Highlands didn't let the Cougars get a set point as they won the frame on their second opportunity.

After trading the early points to start the fifth, New Mexico Highlands began to inch ahead as they took a 10-8 advantage. Colorado Christian battled back to tie the frame at 13-13 then staved off a match point with an Izzy Jones kill. The Cougars gained their own match points after a Cowgirls hitting error then won the match with another Jones kill.

COUGAR LEADERS: Alli Douglass led the offense with a 16-kill effort. The sophomore tallied her first double-double of the season by adding 13 digs. She also had five block assists.

Jones notched a solid stat line by recording 43 assists, six kills and five digs from her setter spot. Defensively Madelyn Long set a career high with 27 digs.

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

• The Cougars 15 team blocks were a season best
• Douglass registered a career high 50 attempts
• Colorado Christian has now won 12 straight in the series

UP NEXT: The Cougars will look to keep the momentum going as they travel to Alamosa for a Saturday evening match against Adams State.