LAKEWOOD, CO- Colorado Christian opened RMAC play and hosted their home opener on the same night on Friday as they welcomed nearby MSU Denver into the CCU Event Center. After a back and forth first set that stayed close throughout, the Roadrunners convincingly claimed set two before holding on in a close third set for a sweep that was a lot more competitive than the final score shows. 

The energy was palpable inside the tin shed as the fans filed in for the first game in Lakewood of the season. The Cougars used that energy in set one as they jumped ahead 11-8 off a trio of kills from Abby Newell, Suzanna Conner and Abby Breeding. Newell grew the lead all the way to 20-15 as the Cougars appeared to be on their way to victory in set one. An attack error from the Roadrunners gave CCU set point at 24-22, but #2 MSU Denver rallied back to tie the set at 24 apiece. Lilly Woods gave her team set point number two with a kill to make it 26-25, but MSUD responded again, rattling off three straight points this time to claim the back and forth set 28-26. 

The second set began evenly as the two teams continued the battle from the initial set and saw many ties in the early stages. Breeding slammed one home to tie the set at 12, but the Roadrunners took firm control after that with a nine point run to make it 21-12. They eventually went on to claim the set 25-13. 

Newell and Phillips helped the Cougars come out strong with a kill and an ace, while Newell fired off three more kills for a 16-14 advantage. Another long run from MSU Denver gave them a 20-16 lead, but the resiliency of the Cougars became apparent from there. Conner continued an excellent night with a kill to highlight a three point run, and Woods and Conner helped CCU climb back to tie the set at 22. However, the veteran visitors were able to close out the set with three straight to finish the sweep 25-22. 

The game was competitive throughout most of the night, and the Cougars have a lot to be proud of from their efforts against one of the best teams in the country. The sophomore Conner was especially effective from the right side with 13 kills, while Neweall tallied eight followed by Phillips with six. Setter Izzy Jones was stellar as always, dishing out 31 assists to go with 11 digs. Shelby Hernandez led the defense with 12 digs, and Conner was a presence defensively as well with five blocks. 

The Cougars are back in action at home September 21 as they host Colorado School of Mines at 5 p.m. MST.