Durango, Colo.     Western Colorado showed grit and energy in Whalen Gymnasium on Tuesday night, keeping pace early before Fort Lewis pulled away in straight sets (25–23, 25–10, 25–18).

JUST THE FACTS
Final Score: Fort Lewis defeats Western Colorado 3-2
Records: Western Colorado overall 1-16 (0-7 RMAC) | Fort Lewis 12-4 overall (6-1 RMAC)
Location: Durango, CO (Whalen Gymnasium)

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Set One saw the Mountaineers open strong with key defensive stops and balanced offense. After early kills from Kyra Kidd and Liv Marshall,
• Western rallied from a slow start to even the frame at 5–5. Emily Robins and Kidd combined for back-to-back blocks that swung momentum, while Anuhea Kaalele notched a kill off a tight set from Kaira Willits to put Western ahead 10–7.
•  The Mountaineers extended their edge behind another block from Robins and a steady serve by Galatia Andrew, reaching 18–14 before Fort Lewis surged late.
• Olive Rolseth and Kaalele each added clutch kills down the stretch, but the Skyhawks held off the charge, taking the set 25–23.
• In Set Two, Western continued to battle despite Fort Lewis finding rhythm from the service line. Kaalele opened the frame with a kill assisted by Willits, and Marshall delivered two kills to stop Fort Lewis runs.
• Breanna Nohava added a solo block in the middle, while Rolseth and Kaalele teamed up for a stuff block to cap a quick run.
• Despite the defensive highlights, the Skyhawks maintained control to take the set 25–10.
• Set Three featured several momentum swings, as Western pushed Fort Lewis deep into rallies. Willits started the set strong with solid setting and a service run that forced an early Skyhawk timeout.
• Kaalele found her rhythm, tallying three kills in the frame, while Kidd, Robins, and Marshall each contributed key points to keep the Mountaineers within reach. Kidd's late service ace and Marshall's kill extended the match, but Fort Lewis closed it out 25–18.

NET NOTES.
Kaalele led Western with seven kills and seven digs, while Kidd and Marshall each added six kills apiece. Willits distributed eight assists, and Andrew anchored the defense with a team-high 13 digs. The Mountaineers also tallied eight team blocks, highlighted by Robins' four block assists and Nohava's two key stops.
 
UP NEXT
Western hosts Colorado School of Mines on Sat. Oct. 18 at 4pm.