GUNNISON, Colo. – Youthful energy overpowered the No. 14 team in the country on Saturday night. At least for one set. Western State Colorado University volleyball pushed No. 14 Regis University through four sets, but fell to the Rangers 3-1 (19-25, 18-25, 25-17, 22-25).
 
After losing the first two sets, Western (1-12, 0-4 RMAC) found themselves tied with Regis (12-1, 4-0 RMAC) 10-10 in the third set. Facing elimination, Western rattled off eight points to Regis' one. The run included four kills by Jordan Eatwell and two service aces by Sarah Sparling.
 
Eatwell led the match with 22 kills and hit .313. Sparling led the match with three service aces. The Mountaineers had eight total aces on the night. Five of those aces came in the third set.
 
The Mountaineers dispatched the Rangers in the third set, 25-17.
 
With momentum on their side, Western pushed Regis in the fourth set. Points went back and forth, and the Mountaineers were down two points, 22-24. The Rangers got the final point, but the Mountaineers proved they could play with the top teams in the country.
 
In the first set, Regis felt the pressure of Paul Wright Gym. The Mountaineers played right alongside the Rangers and after a service ace by freshman Lyria Brook, Western was down just three points, 17-20, late in the set. Unfortunately for Western, the Rangers went on a 5-2 run to take the first set 25-19.
 
In the second set, Regis got out to an early lead, fought off some Mountaineer momentum and won the set 25-18.
 
Caitlyn Burroway led the Rangers with 16 kills.
 
The Mountaineers continue next Friday and Saturday in Gunnison during Homecoming Weekend. Western hosts Fort Lewis College Friday and Adams State University on Saturday. Both matches begin at 7 p.m. in Paul Wright Gym.