GUNNISON, Colo. – Western Colorado University fought fiercely, but was unable to earn a win against Dixie State University on Saturday. The Trailblazers defeated the Mountaineers in three sets (20-25, 19-25, 9-25).
 
Western (2-19, 1-12 RMAC) came out and scored the first point of the match off a kill by Gabby Yoder. The Mountaineers didn't relinquish the first set lead until DSU (16-4, 11-2 RMAC) went ahead 18-17.
 
Western continued to fight tooth-and-nail, and were within striking distance, trailing three points, 23-20.
 
However, the Trailblazers scored the next three points to take a 25-20 first set win.
 
The Mountaineers hit 25.9 percent in the first set, recording 12 kills on 27 attempts.
 
In the second set, Western found themselves trailing early, but a 6-0 run put the Mountaineers ahead, 11-7.
 
Western maintained their lead and were ahead 17-15. The Trailblazers then made their move and went on a 9-1 run to make it set point, 24-18. Each team would score once more, and DSU took the second set 25-19.
 
DSU made quick work of the third set to earn a three set win.
 
Kirsten Companik led the Mountaineers with nine kills, adding one solo block.
 
Hanna Hendrickson led all players with 26 assists. Lauren Harrell led the team with 12 digs from the libero position.
 
The Mountaineers will begin a four match road trip, stopping first at Fort Lewis College next Friday.