DURANGO, Colo. – Western Colorado University women's volleyball went over the river and through the woods in search of a win at Fort Lewis College Friday but would come up short in their journey to Whalen Gymnasium. Despite three Mountaineers tallying seven or more kills, Western fell to Fort Lewis in three sets, 25-18, 25-14, 25-22. 
 
On a night where the Western (2-20, 1-13 RMAC) offense showed more balance, a formidable Fort Lewis (7-11, 7-7 RMAC) presence at the net and consistent hitting proved too much in the long run.
 
Western's middle hitters, Kathleen Kasel and Maddy Johnson led the attack with nine and eight kills apiece. Kasel led the Mountaineers, hitting .400 on the night while Johnson swung at .368. For Johnson, it was a strong night as she recorded her second-highest kill total of the season and also earned two block assists. 
 
On the outside, freshman Gabby Yoder had a career best seven kills.
 
But Western's overall offensive production was limited by an effective Fort Lewis block that tallied 19 blocks in three sets. 
 
While Fort Lewis hit .275 as a team, Western kept pace with one of the stronger defensive teams in the RMAC as Hanna Hendrickson and Lauren Harrell combined for 30 digs. Harrell's 14 digs was a career best. 
 
In the final set, Western played consistently, but could not overcome the two set deficit, dropping the final frame 22-25. 
 
Western returns to action tomorrow against RMAC rival Adams State at Plachy Hall.