Lakewood, CO – The Cougars return to their home court on Wednesday to continue play against Chadron State. With a loss 3-1 last season (2023) against the Eagles the Cougars hit the nail on the head with this win wiping Chadron out in 3 straight sets.
 
Starting the first set out with strong offensive plays by the cougars, Renee Philips takes every opportunity to slam a set by Izzy Jones into the court for a kill. Suzanna Connor with a kill to put the cougars ahead by 6 points. Izzy Jones with a great dig and Megan McNitt with an out of system kill forcing the Eagles to call a timeout. Starting the set back after the timeout, Brooklyn Frazier aces a serve to the Eagles setting the score at an 8-point difference.  As the Cougars continued to stay ahead of the Eagles, Abbey Newell gets into the action with back-to-back kills to put the score at 20 to 11. With an effort by the Eagles for a comeback Abbey Newell denies their two-point streak with a roll shot. With the score standing at a consistent lead by the cougars Lilly Woods and Suzanna Connor deny the Eagles with a stuff block ending the first set at 25 – 16.
 
Heading into the second set the Eagles came back more confident and consistent, but the Cougars pushed ahead throughout the set. Lily Woods and Megan McNitt put the Cougars ahead with another stuff block. The Eagles trail closely behind the Cougars with only a one-point difference, but the Cougars find their consistency again with another stuff block by Lilly Woods and Suzanna Conner. As the Cougars push ahead with the lead, Renee Philips and Suzanna Conner stuff the Eagles yet again forcing them into their second timeout of the night. After Renee Philips slams one right outside the 10-foot line the Cougars put themselves up by 8 points forcing the Eagles into their second timeout of the set. The Cougars stay consistent throughout their offense in set 2 and dominate on every ball they are given. The Cougars more than double the score with a kill by Renee Philips leaving the score at 21 – 10. Finishing the second set at 25 – 12 with a slam by Abbey Newell.
 
The Cougars continue into the third set taking the early lead of 3-1 with a kill and an ace by Suzanna Conner. Izzy Jones gets her kill opportunity by dumping the ball deep into the corner, putting the Cougs at a 7-point lead. The Eagles find their way back closing the cougars lead, putting the score at 18 – 14. With the Cougars still ahead, they end the third set with a score of 25 – 15. With their 16th win of the season, Head Coach Bobby Blanken also earns his 100th win during his time at CCU. 
 
The Cougars will play their next match away in Las Vegas, New Mexico on Saturday November 16^th at 6 p.m. against New Mexico Highland University. With a sweep over Chadron State, the Cougars have clinched a spot in the RMAC Tournament which begins on Tuesday November 19th. Stay tuned for more details.