LAKEWOOD, CO – Despite a major deficit against a top ranked team, the Colorado Christian volleyball rallied with persistence.
A strong comeback by the Cougars fell short as they battled No. 24 Regis deep into four sets before the Rangers notched a 3-1 (25-15, 25-20, 21-25, 25-21) win on Saturday evening.
It is the second match this week the program played a top 25 team. On Thursday the Cougars played top-ranked MSU Denver.
With two weeks, and four matches, left in the regular season the Cougars are 9-13 overall and 6-8 in RMAC matches. The top eight teams qualify for the league's postseason tournament. (RMAC Standings)
HOW IT HAPPENED: In the opening set the Rangers hit .391 as a team with 12 kills while recording six total blocks in limiting the Colorado Christian offense to a -.077 hitting percentage.
The Cougars came out strong in the second set as they recorded a .429 hitting mark in the early going. The home team held a 10-8 lead at that point and after a Regis timeout, it looked as if Colorado Christian had the momentum. However, the Rangers proceeded to take a 15-11 edge. It was a lead they wouldn't relinquish. The Cougars pulled as close as two points twice but couldn't get any closer.
As the early moments of the third frame unfolded, the points were traded at a furious rate. However, Regis took a 10-10 tie and made it a 15-11 lead in forcing the Cougars into a timeout. Keeping with the theme of the set, Colorado Christian pulled within 15-14 then took the lead at 18-17 and, again, at 20-19. The home team continued to pull away in forcing a fourth frame.
Regis held an 11-6 lead to start the fourth stanza and force Colorado Christian into their first timeout. The visitors continued to build their lead. They eventually went ahead 18-8 as the Cougars used their final timeout. The home team still had fight in them as they pulled within 20-17 then 22-20 as Regis called their last timeout. After the stoppage the Rangers scored three of the last four points to secure the match.
COUGAR LEADERS: Breanna Allen had a team high 18 kills to pace the home team's offense. Mackenzie Close chipped-in a 12-kill performance.
Among the specialty players, Madelyn Long had a match best 20 digs while Izzy Jones dished out 39 assists.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- The Rangers had nine service aces with just two service aces
- Regis won a close dig battle between the teams 47-46
- Each team had 10 team blocks
UP NEXT: The Cougars embark on their final road trip of the regular season with matches at Fort Lewis and Western Colorado next weekend.
