GOLDEN, CO – It's been a while since the Colorado Christian volleyball program started a season with two straight wins. Friday was a good time to have that happen again.
The Cougars began the campaign with a pair of victories at the Oredigger Classic hosted by Colorado School of Mines. It is the first time since the 2012 season a Cougars squad won their first two matches of the season.
Colorado Christian 3, Midwestern State 1 (25-16, 27-25, 22-25, 25-19)
In the opener inside Lockridge Arena, the Cougars had three players with at least 10 kills as they put together a solid offensive effort.
Bre Allen and Libby Goodman each tallied a team high 18 kills with Allen notching a solid .361 hitting percentage from her outside hitter position. In her first match as a collegiate player, Lilly Woods registered a 10-kill effort.
Directing the offense was first-year setter Izzy Jones. She was impressive in her first college match as she handed out 48 assists. Meanwhile, from her back row position, Madelyn Long notched a match high 15 digs.
The Cougars offense hit at least .330 as a team in the first two sets in building their lead. After the Mustangs continued the match with a third set victory, Colorado Christian put away the contest with a rally in the fourth frame. Trailing 12-10, the Cougars took a 15-13 lead and slowly pulled away to seal the triumph.
Colorado Christian 3, Seattle Pacific 2 (26-24, 25-20, 21-25, 21-25, 22-20)
The thrilling contest needed extra points to decide the winner. Even though the Cougars found themselves up two sets, the back-and-forth contest was tightly played. On 31 different occasions in the match, the score was tied.
In the final set there were seven lead changes. Seattle Pacific had the first match point at 14-13 but a sneaky kill by Jones extended the match. Down the stretch the Falcons had two more match points while Colorado Christian finally won the contest on their fourth opportunity. The Cougars won the match's final three points.
Goodman's 15 kills lead the match while Mackenzie Close contributed a significant 13 kills. Woods added another 10-kill performance.
Once again Jones was outstanding. She registered 45 assists with four kills and three service aces.
QUOTEABLE: "I just like the way that we battled. With such a young team we have to be growing and battling and pushing hard for points. If we are doing that it, it will be fun to watch us compete and improve," said head coach Bobby Blanken. "I'm excited to see the grit and determination."
UP NEXT: The Cougars conclude the event with matches on Saturday against Southwest Minnesota State and Sioux Falls.
