GUNNISON, Colo. – Western State Colorado University volleyball won the third set in Thursday night's match. However, the Mountaineers were unable to upend the Westminster College Griffins, losing in four sets (24-26, 21-25, 25-22, 19-25).
 
Western (2-21, 1-13 RMAC) servers peppered the Westminster (7-15, 4-10 RMAC) back line all match long. The Mountaineers recorded seven service aces, with three coming from freshman Lyria Brook. Four of the Mountaineers seven aces came in the first set.
 
Both teams exchanged runs to open the match. After a kill by Western freshman Kiki Johnson, the match was tied at 24 points. Unfortunately for the Mountaineers, the Griffins would take the next two points and go ahead 1-0 to start the match.
 
The second set was another close battle as both teams came out with guns blazing. After a kill by Jordan Eatwell, Western went ahead late in the match, 21-20. However, a late surge by Westminster put them over the top as they took the second set 25-21.
 
With their backs against the wall in the third set, the Mountaineers were on a mission. After going down 18-17, Western went on a 5-1 run to retake the lead, 22-19. Westminster would tie the match at 22 points. A kill by Kirsten Companik and two errors by the Griffins gave new life to the Mountaineers as Western won the third set 25-22.
 
The fourth set was much like the previous three. Both teams traded points and Western was down just one point, 16-15. The Griffins would put some distance between themselves and the Mountaineers with a 7-2 run to go ahead 23-17. Both teams would score two more points as Westminster would take the third set 25-19 and the match 3-1.
 
Kathleen Kasel led the Mountaineers in kills with 15.
 
Westminster's Amare Spere and Audrey Green combined to record 44 of the Griffins' 57 kills on Thursday.
 
Western has four matches remaining in the season and will play two on the road next weekend. The first comes against Metro State University Denver next Friday night at 7 p.m. before facing UC-Colorado Springs at 5 p.m. on Saturday.