DURANT, Okla. – A dramatic second-set comeback helped Western State Colorado University Volleyball earn their first victory of the season on Saturday. The Mountaineers defeated Southern Arkansas University in three sets (25-15, 26-24, 25-17) in the final match of the South Central Classic.
 
After a dominating first set, Western (1-7, 0-0 RMAC) fell behind 20-11 in the second set against SAU. The Mountaineers then rallied and went on a 12-3 run to tie the set at 23 points.
 
Western scored the next three-of-four points to win the set 26-24, and headed into the third set looking for the sweep.
 
In the third, Western and SAU found themselves tied once again, this time at 14 points apiece. The Mountaineers scored six unanswered points to go ahead 20-14, and cruised to a 25-17 victory for their first win of the 2018 season.
 
Western's Kirsten Companik led all players with 12 kills, a new career best for the junior outside hitter.
 
Teammate Emilee Scates added 11 kills, recording double-digit kills for the second time in her career.
 
The first set was the most impressive offensive set for Western this season. The Mountaineers recorded a hitting percentage of .448, notching 14 kills while committing only one hitting error.
 
Hanna Hendrickson led all players in assists with 27, while Cammi Baumann led all players in digs with 15.
 
Prior to the match against Southern Arkansas, Western faced Southern Nazarene University. SNU defeated the Mountaineers three sets to zero (18-25, 17-25, 17-25).
 
Chelsea Bostwick led Western with seven kills. Kathleen Kasel and Companik each contributed five more.
 
The Mountaineers return to the friendly confines of Paul Wright Gym for their home and conference opener next Friday. Western hosts New Mexico Highlands University on Friday night before Colorado State University – Pueblo comes to Gunnison for a Saturday afternoon showdown.