MOORHEAD, Minn. – Western State Colorado University Volleyball's run at the Microtel and Travelodge Classic came to an end on Saturday. The Mountaineers fell to hosts Minnesota State University – Moorhead 3-0 (23-25, 20-25, 18-25) before dropping three sets to Montana State University Billings (25-27, 18-25, 16-25).
 
In the first set against Moorhead, Western (0-4, 0-0 RMAC) struggled to maintain pace with the Dragons and found themselves trailing 21-15. An 8-2 run by the Mountaineers quickly erased that lead, but the Dragons were able to come away with a 25-23 set win on their home court to go ahead in the match 1-0.
 
The Dragons came out swinging in the second set, scoring seven of the first eight points. The Mountaineers were soon down nine points, 22-13, late in the set. A 7-2 run put Western within striking distance but it was just too late for the Mountaineers as they fell in the second set 25-20.
 
Both teams exchanged points in the third set, and thanks in-part to two service aces by Lyria Brook, the Mountaineers took a one-point lead at 14-13.
 
Moorhead regained the lead with a 7-2 run. Despite kills by Kathleen Kasel and Kiki Johnson, the Mountaineers were unable to recover, falling 25-18 in the third and 3-0 in the match.
 
Chelsea Bostwick recorded nine kills to lead the Mountaineers against the Dragons.
 
As a team, Western recorded six service aces.
 
In the second match of the day, Western face Montana State University Billings.
 
The Mountaineers looked to be the better team in the first set, storming out to a 22-17 lead. Western had the Yellowjackets on the ropes, just one point away from taking the opening set, 24-21.
 
MSUB came back, tying the match at 25 points before winning the first set 27-25.
 
Much like the first set, Western looked to be in control until a late run by MSUB. After the Mountaineers went ahead 15-14, the Yellowjackets responded with a 10-2 run. MSUB won the set 25-18.
 
MSUB started the third where they left off in the second, going on another 10-2 run. The Yellowjackets would hold on for a 25-16 win in the third.
 
Emilee Scates led Western with seven kills against the Yellowjackets. Teammate Cammi Baumann recorded three service aces and nine digs.
 
The Mountaineers return to action next Friday at the South Central Classic in Durant, Oklahoma.