GUNNISON, Colo. – Western State Colorado University volleyball and Fort Lewis College squared-off Friday night in Paul Wright Gym. The Mountaineers were unable to take a win from the Skyhawks, losing in three sets (22-25, 24-26, 23-25).
 
Western (1-13, 0-5 RMAC) got out to an early lead in the first set. The Mountaineers were ahead 8-3 before FLC (7-6, 2-3 RMAC) climbed back into the match. However, a 5-0 run by the Skyhawks put them back in contention, tying the set at 10 points.
 
The Mountaineers and Fort Lewis exchanged points and were again tied, this time at 22 points. Unfortunately for Western, FLC scored the next three points to take a 25-22 set victory.
 
Like the first set, Western got out to a quick 4-0 lead. Fort Lewis scampered back into the match, but the Mountaineers stood their ground and after a 5-0 run, were ahead 19-17 late in the set.
 
Back and forth the points flew onto the scoreboard. With the Skyhawks threatening at set point, the Mountaineers piled three points together and tied the set at 24 points. The set ended after two more FLC points.
 
Every point was contested and earned in the third set. There was hardly any separation between the two teams. Facing match point, down 24-21, Western scored the next two points, but were unable to get the third, falling 25-23 in the third.
 
Western's Taylor Ferrel led all players with 12 kills. Teammate Hanna Hendrickson also led the match with 30 assists.
 
The Mountaineers recorded six service aces in the match. Two were recorded by McKenzie Price.
 
Western will try and get back in the win column tomorrow night in Paul Wright Gym. The Mountaineers host rival Adams State University at 6 p.m. during Homecoming Weekend.