This week concluded with one of the best weekends for CCU athletics, resulting in no losses and a perfect weekend across all competitions for the cougars. Men's soccer began the week at Regis and finished with a win over South Dakota Mines as they celebrated 9 seniors on Senior day. Similarly, senior Alaina Kregel led the women's soccer team in victory over the visiting Cowgirls with a goal to win 1-0 while celebrating 7 seniors on Senior day. Cross Country raced at Wash Park in the RMAC championships and looks forward to regionals on November 4th in Lubbock, TX. Volleyball shook the RMAC with a win against Westminster followed by the biggest upset of the weekend, shocking 9th ranked Colorado Mesa in a 5 set thriller. Both games served as Krista Traynor's first starts as a setter, impressively earning her RMAC setter of the week. Both Men's and Women's Golf began tournaments yesterday, the men competing in Hawaii and the women across the country in Florida. Make sure to follow along with our golf teams today as they wrap up their tournaments. 
Men's Live Stats 
Women's Live Stats   
 
 
Women's Volleyball Recap 
 
10.21.23 LAKEWOOD, CO- The Cougars took on Westminster University on Friday evening as they entered a pivotal stretch of the regular season. Behind the Griffins by half a game in the RMAC standings, CCU came out firing and played their way to a very important victory by a score of 3-1. 
 

Set one began with an offensive clinic as the new-look offense was led by freshman setter Krista Traynor, who got her first start of her college career on Friday. She did not disappoint, quickly setting up Renee Phillips and Libby Goodman for kills to start the set out with a 3-0 lead. The set saw many momentum swings as the Griffins went up 9-6 before a CCU run put them ahead 10-9 after a Suzanna Conner ace. A long six-point run spearheaded by consecutive aces from Abby Breeding put the hosts in control, and Breeding eventually ended the set with a kill for a 25-20 victory. 
 
Westminster was intent on drawing level in the second set, and they played with a new fire to grab control of the set. However, a 20-14 lead became a 20-19 lead after a run from the Cougars led by kills from three different players. The Griffins settled down, though, and ended up taking the set 25-21 to level the match at one set apiece. 
 
Trailing initially, CCU showed great resiliency and found their way back into the set. A Conner kill tied it at 10, and later back-to-back aces from Traynor sent the Cougars ahead 18-15 and totally flipped momentum in the hosts favor. Breeding then tallied a few more kills to push her team further ahead, and they closed out a 25-19 set win with a kill from Phillips. 
 
Looking to push the match to a fifth set, the Griffins quickly jumped ahead in the fourth with a 7-2 lead early. The Cougars did not let up though, slowly chipping away at the lead throughout the set. Down 16-11, a big four-point run led by Phillips and Goodman kills cut the deficit to just one. From there it got interesting, as a 21-17 lead for the Griffins evaporated with the most efficient offense of the night from the Cougars. They went on a six-point run started by a kill from Connelly Kilgore and capped by a Kilgore kill as well. Breeding had three key kills in the stretch and Phillips had one as well. Suddenly trailing 23-21, WU got two back to tie things at 23 apiece. With the set tied at 24-24, a pair of untimely attack errors gave the Cougars a 26-24 set win as they claimed an important match with a strong effort all the way around. 
 
The balance from the offense was incredible, as Phillips tallied 16 kills, Goodman had 15 and Breeding chipped in 14. Traynor had a first collegiate start to remember, dishing out an eye popping 51 assists on the night. Lilly Woods dominated at the net with seven blocks, and libero Savannah Overson picked up 21 digs in a great team effort from Colorado Christian. 
 
10.21.23 LAKEWOOD, CO - The Colorado Christian Cougars matched up against the formerly 19-1 Mavericks in their second to last home game of the season. The Cougars upset Colorado Mesa, the ninth ranked team in the nation and currently second in the RMAC, in a tough match that took every last point to win.

The Cougars pulled ahead of the Mavericks early on in the first set following multiple blocks from the duo of Lilly Woods and Krista Traynor, and a kill from Libby Goodman. The lead continued to grow as Renee Phillips served two aces in a row, causing CMU to call a timeout. Halfway through the set the Cougars were up 12-6, and continued to pull ahead following impressive kills from Connelly Kilgore and Goodman. Colorado Mesa rallied late in the set, closing the gap to 21-18, with Colorado Christian still ahead. Junior Abby Breeding responded with a dangerous kill and much needed dig to keep the Cougars in the lead. It was a hard fought battle to the end, but the Cougars sealed the victory in the first set with the final point after a kill from Goodman to win 25-23. 
The second set was close right from the first serve. The Cougars and the Mavericks both fought hard for the advantage, staying within a few points of each other all throughout. Abby Breeding brought the score back to a draw nearly halfway through the set with remarkable kill. Krista Traynor and Renee Phillips also scored multiple points for the Cougars, helping the home team pull ahead. Sophomore Savannah Overson had a stellar serve as well leading to a 13-10 score halfway through the first set. Colorado Christian held an impressive 5 point run as they continued to widen the score. Similar to the first set the Mavericks rallied late, bringing the score to 21-18. A kill from Breeding put the Cougars ahead at 23-18. A well-placed tip from Renee Phillips finalized the second set, giving the Cougars the win by 6. 
With Colorado Christian leading 2-0, the pressure was on for Colorado Mesa to respond in the third set. The Cougars did not let up, continuing to defend against the Mavericks attempts at pulling far ahead. The Mavericks 5 point run was ended by a nice kill from Lilly Woods, followed by two in a row from Kilgore. A kill from Abby Breeding brought the score back to 12-10, the Cougars barely trailing behind. The back half of the set was incredibly close, with the score tied at 19-19. Mesa pulled ahead with a 5 point run to win the set 25-20, making the overall score 2-1, Cougars with the advantage. 
In the fourth set, the Mavericks started with an early lead, but kills from both Renee Phillips and Connelly Kilgore put the Cougars back in the mix. Colorado Mesa rallied, bringing the score to 19-9 for the lead late in the set. Colorado Christian put some incredible plays together, but Mesa ultimately claimed the set 25-14. 
The fifth set was an extremely tight battle, and as exciting as a match can get - every point resulted in a roar from the crowd. The Mavericks started out hot, going on a run to start 3-0. A kill by Goodman and an ace from Traynor brought the score to 5-3 to put CCU back in the game. Mesa had another 3 point run, but Breeding had a momentum building kill to bring the score to 10-6, Cougars still playing catch-up. Colorado Christian had multiple blocks from Abby Breeding and Renee Phillips, and a much needed dig from Overson. Late in the set the teams were going point for point. Breeding showed up with a huge kill to tie up the set at 12-12, after trailing by 6 at 12-6. The set grew even more intense with the score continually being tied and each team fighting for advantage. The Mavericks had the advantage by 1 for a few rallies and seemed to hold the upper hand, but the Cougars stayed strong under pressure and finally pulled ahead at 17-16. The teams were tied at 18s, when another kill from Abby Breeding gave the Cougars the advantage by 1. Renee Phillips sealed the victory with a solo block on the Mavericks top hitter of the night, giving the Cougars the victory at 20-18. This upset was a well-deserved, well-fought, and incredibly exciting victory for the Cougars. 
Leading the offense tonight were outside hitters Libby Goodman and Abby Breeding, with 17 and 16 kills respectively. Also in double digits was opposite Connelly Kilgore, who finished with 12. Middle blocker Lilly Woods rounded out the double digit crew with 10, and also led the Cougars in hitting percentage with an impressive .588. Leading in digs with 15 was Abby Breeding, followed by Alli Douglass and Savannah Overson with 12 and 11, respectively. Dishing out 52 assists in her second college game was Krista Traynor, who showed up big for the Cougars this weekend. The Cougars out blocked Mesa 14-8, which was essential in securing their win. 
Coming up next, the Cougars will be just down the road for a pair of non-conference matches as they face Colorado School of Mines and Colorado State University Pueblo on October 26th and 27th in Golden, Colorado. 
 
10.23.23 LAKEWOOD, CO- It was a memorable weekend for Krista Traynor as the freshman setter got her first two starts at the college level against Westminster and Colorado Mesa. Traynor was incredible throughout both matches, tallying over 50 assists in each game to lead her team to huge victories over the Griffins and #9 Mavericks. The league was put on notice, and recognized Krista as the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Setter of the Week for her efforts. Taking on Westminster on Friday evening at home, no one watching would have been able to tell that Krista was making her first ever collegiate start. Traynor kept the offense in an incredible rhythm and distributed the ball to every hitter wonderfully. She finished the night with 51 assists as the Cougars picked up an important 3-1 victory over the Griffins. 
 

The next night saw CCU take on the number nine team in the nation in Colorado Mesa, and it was certainly the toughest test of Traynor's college playing career. She remained unflappable, staying steady and consistent throughout the match to dish out an incredible 52 assists as four hitters tallied double digit kills to show the great distribution from Krista. The effort from Traynor led to an upset victory in a five-set thriller over CMU as it was a perfect weekend for the home team. 
 
You could not ask for a better start to your college career as a setter, as Traynor combined for an astounding 103 assists in her first two starts. Congratulations to Krista Traynor on her incredible performance that earned her the honors of RMAC Setter of the Week!
 
Cross Country Recap 
 
10.21.23 DENVER, CO- Cross Country headed to nearby Wash Park in Denver as they took part in the RMAC Championships. After the 6k for the women and the 8k for the men, the teams took 9th and 10th place respectively. 
The women began first with the 6k, and Alysia Wagner led her team as the first to finish. The junior ran a time of 22:59.3 to claim 41st. Norah Thompson followed with a time of 23:33.4 to take 52nd, and Beth Pierantoni ran a 23:53.7 to finish in 57th. Next was Kaylie Bookout, running a time of 24:02.0 to claim 60th, and Benisa Ellis rounded out the top five with a mark of 24:35.3 for 69th overall. 

Next came the men in the 8k, and it was Isaac Roberts who led the team with a time of 25:50.9 for 47th. Jay Wood followed with a run of 26:10.1 to take home 53rd, and Ethan Wampler followed with a mark of 26:25.8 for 62nd. Klay Grant posted a time of 26:27.2 to claim 66th, and Luke Meyer closed the top five on the team with a run of 26:31.8 for 69th. 
 
The women totaled 279 points to claim ninth, while the men posted a point total of 297 to take 10th. The two teams will be back in action as they travel to Lubbock, Texas to take part in the NCAA South Central Regional Championships on November 4th. 
 
Women's Top-10: 1. Brianna Robles (Adams State) 20:34.1; 2. Allison Beasley (Western Colorado) 20:48.4; 3. Emily Schoellkopf (Adams State) 21:02.9; 4. Holly Moser (Mines) 21:04.4; 5. Anna Fauske (UCCS) 21:05.2; 6. Ava O'Connor (Adams State) 21:08.7; 7. Jenna Ramsey-Rutledge (Mines) 21:16.2; 8. Grace Strongman (Mines) 21:28.7; 9. Helen Braybrook (CSU Pueblo) 21:31.8; 10. Morgan Hykes (Adams State) 21:33.0
 
Colorado Christian Women: 1. Alysia Wagner: 22:59.3; 2. Norah Thompson: 23:33.4; 3. Beth Pierantoni: 23:53.7; 4. Kaylie Bookout: 24:02.0; 5. Benisa Ellis: 24:35.3; 6. Mealeah Wardlaw: 25:37.3; 7. Sarah Hamlin; 26:15.2
 
Men's Top-10: 1. Andrew Amor (NMHU) 23:58.4; 2. Simon Kelati (Western Colorado) 24:11.0; 3. Duncan Fuehne (Mines) 24:19.5; 4. Loic Scomparin (Mines) 24:23.9; 5. Paul Knight (Mines) 24:24.9; 6. Romain Legendre (Adams State) 24:25.9; 7. Tyler Nord (Western Colorado) 24:28.6; 8. Dayton Brown (Adams State) 24:33.8; 9. Logan Bocovich (Mines) 24:38.5; 10. Yonas Haile (Adams State) 24:38.5
 
Colorado Christian Men: 1. Isaac Roberts: 25:50.9; 2. Jay Wood: 26:10.1; 3. Ethan Wampler: 26:25.8; 4. Klay Grant: 26:27.2; 5. Luke Meyer: 26:31.8; 6. Mateo Luna: 26:35.3; 7. Sam Schwarting: 27:09.8
 
Women's Soccer Recap 
 
10.22.23 LAKEWOOD, CO- The Cougars took on New Mexico Highlands on Sunday afternoon as they celebrated senior day at Trailblazer Stadium. It was a senior who netted the game-winner, as a second half goal from Alaina Kregel sent CCU to a 1-0 victory. 
 

The pressure came early and often from the Cougars as they got off a shot on goal from Breenalyn Shimabukuro 22 seconds into the contest. Capri Dewing put one on goal a few minutes later, but the Cowgirls keeper made the stop. Ava Dinvermo then took a shot on goal that was again saved as CCU dominated from an offensive standpoint in the first half. Several more good looks came with 13 first half shots to zero for their opponent, but the teams stood level at 0-0 at the break. 
 
It was only a matter of time before the home team broke through, and their moment finally came in the 65th minute. Dewing ran onto a through ball and battled with an NMHU defender. Winning the ball, Capri slipped a pass to her left to a streaking Kregel who slotted the ball far post for the goal. The crowd and bench erupted as it was fitting that the goal was scored by a senior and leader of this team in Kregel. With the lead in hand, the Cougars did not let off the gas, as the offense continued to hold the possession and earn corner kicks and took more shots. The defense was tremendous all day, allowing a total of four shots and just one on goal as they closed out the shutout victory 1-0. 
 
Alana Lopp only needed to make one save as she played in her final game at home as a Cougar. The team celebrated Alana, Cora Lopp, Kregel, Andi Wells, Zoe Sims, Kiana Fen and Ashleigh Willette following the victory as the seven seniors were honored for their amazing contributions to the program. 
 
Men's Soccer Recap 
 
10.20.23 LAKEWOOD, CO- Colorado Christian celebrated 10 extremely impactful seniors on Friday as they closed their home slate for the 2023 season against South Dakota School of Mines. They celebrated their seniors in style, claiming a much needed 1-0 victory over the Hardrockers on a warm fall day at Trailblazer Stadium. 

The energy was palpable on the pitch as the two teams kicked off, and the pressure was quick from the Cougars. Gabe Roloff got off a shot on goal in the first minute, and several more corner kicks ensued shortly after. In the 29th minute, Shane Donnelly intercepted a pass from SDSM and streaked up the middle. He then found a streaking Adrian Diez to his right, and Diez slotted it home from the right side of the goal to give his team a 1-0 lead. The two teams battled to halftime with the score staying at 1-0 in favor of the hosts. 
 
The chances continued to come in the second half as Ben Hess just missed over the top of goal. Lucca Casci then put a shot on goal that was saved by the Hardrockers keeper. Drew Brown nearly doubled the lead in the 79th as he broke free off a through ball, but he just missed wide right. Silas Hess got one more shot off to end the game as the Cougars closed out an important victory with a final score of 1-0. 
 
After the win, the Cougars honored 10 players playing in their final home game at CCU. It was an incredible time at CCU for Arthur Santana, Ben Hess, Caiden Dixon, Eli Donaho, Michael Mote, Michel Pinoncely, Silas Hess, Gabe Roloff, Matthew Bealieu and Garret Johnson. 
 
10.18.23 DENVER, CO-  The Cougars traveled to nearby Regis for a Wednesday night matchup under the lights. After a pair of first half goals from the Rangers, Colorado Christian rallied back with a goal in the second half but could not net the equalizer in an eventual 2-1 defeat. 

Regis came out with offensive purpose in the first half, scoring a goal in the 5th minute of competition for the early lead. Moments later Daniel Garciacano nearly leveled with a strike, but saw his shot saved by the Rangers keeper. Silas Hess forced another save a few minutes later to keep the pressure on the hosts. Then, in the 23rd minute Regis struck again with another goal to put themselves ahead 2-0 in the first period of play. Garciacano put another shot on goal later in the half, but the teams went to the break with a 2-0 scoreline. 
 
Gabe Roloff quickly made his presence felt in the second half with a shot on goal. In the 61st minute, Roloff brought the Cougars within one with a quality goal that was assisted by Caiden Dixon. It was the second game in a row that Roloff has scored an absolutely unreal goal. From his position on the defense, Dixon launched a ball from midfield towards roloff. The senior deftly took the ball off his chest, and acrobatically ripped a shot off his left foot from his chest that was lashed into the top of the goal for an unbelievable strike. The hosts stood stunned as CCU suddenly trailed by just one. Michel Pinoncely then made a few saves to keep his team within striking distance. Devin Najarro and Roloff each had shots on goal, but these were saved by Regis to keep them ahead. A few late corners did not result in any threats as the hosts held on for a 2-1 victory. 
 
The Cougars registered 17 shots with eight of those being on goal. Pinoncely made four saves to keep things tight throughout.