Las Vegas, NM – The Cougars traveled to New Mexico Highlands Friday night, besting the Cowgirls in 4 sets. After dropping the second set, the Cougars responded with two straight set victories to take down New Mexico Highlands and for their 4
th win in a row.
The first set saw the Cougars come out firing, taking control early and building a comfortable lead over the Cowgirls.
Suzanna Conner and
Connelly Kilgore would lead the attack with several kills, while
Sienna Thatcher added to the offensive effort. With 11 kills and just two errors, CCU would maintain its advantage throughout the set, ultimately taking the opening frame, 25-18.
The second set saw a different story, with New Mexico Highlands finding its rhythm early. The Cougars would continue to lean on Conner and Kilgore, who each picked up multiple kills to keep CCU within reach. Thatcher would continue to pour on the pressure herself, but the Cowgirls slowly began to pull away. Despite 15 kills in the frame, CCU would fall just short, dropping the second set, 25-19.
Undeterred, the Cougars came out ready to respond in the third. Both sides would trade points early, with neither team able to create much separation. Conner and Kilgore continued to find success at the net, combining for several kills as the Cougars looked to regain control.
Ana Aguilar would also contribute three kills in the match, while
Sierra Crist added two herself. A late push from the Cowgirls would put the Cougars on their heels, but CCU would battle its way to a hard-fought 27-25 victory, taking a 2-1 lead.
With momentum back on their side, the Cougars looked to close things out in the fourth. The combo of Conner and Kilgore continued to lead the offensive charge, each finishing the night with 16 kills. Thatcher would add another 10 kills, while
Jenna Bell and Aguilar contributed at the net. Continuing to push for the win, CCU would hold off a late effort from the Cowgirls, securing the fourth set, 25-22, and taking the match in four sets.
A strong offensive showing from the Cougars saw Conner and Kilgore lead the way with 16 kills apiece. Conner would finish the night with an impressive .484 hitting percentage, while Kilgore added 14 digs.
Krista Traynor would lead the Cougars with 35 assists, while
Brooklin Frazier paced the defense with 20 digs.
The Cougars will be back in action tomorrow night, taking on the Grizzlies of Adams State in Alamosa, set for 6pm MST.
