RAPID CITY, S.D. – Nothing bad about a three-and-out win when you have a long bus ride afterwards.

The Cougars came out on the successful end of a Saturday evening sweep as the registered a 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 27-25) win against South Dakota Mines.

The victory completes a two-match road swing through The Mount Rushmore state.

HOW IT HAPPENED: In the opening set the Cougars needed all 21 kills they got as the home team was a pesky host. Despite hitting .373 in the set, Colorado Christian held just a 21-20 lead. But, Mackenzie Close and Lilly Woods each had two kills down the stretch to give their team the early match lead.

Despite trailing 10-5 then 13-9, a persistent Cougars squad finally took a second set lead at 18-17. But the Hardrockers held a 21-20 edge late. Colorado Christian brushed aside any South Dakota Mines hopes as the Cougars won five of the frame's final eight points.

A hectic third set ensued. During the final stanza, there were 17 ties and seven lead changes. Colorado Christian held a 22-19 lead only to see the Hardrockers fight off one match point before the home team took a 25-24 advantage. But the Cougars wanted the match done in three. Colorado Christian won three straight points, closed out with an Alli Douglass kill on their second match point.

COUGAR LEADERS: A well distributed Cougars offense was paced, once again, by Breanna Allen. The outside hitter had a match high 14 kills. Close was just behind her with a 12-kill performance while Douglass (9 kills) and Lilly Woods (8) played a significant role.

Izzy Jones kept the squad well rounded by dishing out 42 assists. Madelyn Long was impressive along the backlines with a 20-dig evening.

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

• Colorado Christian 53 kills is a season high for a three set match
• There were 31 ties and 14 lead changes in the contest
• The Cougars move to 9-1 all-time against South Dakota Mines

UP NEXT: The Cougars are back home in a few days as they host Colorado School of Mines on Friday, Oct. 15.