Gunnison, Colo.,  The Mountaineers drop hard fought game to Westminster by a score of 3-0.

JUST THE FACTS
Final Score: Westminster defeats Western Colorado 3-0
Records: Western Colorado overall 1-13 (0-4 RMAC) | Westminster 9-4 overall (3-1 RMAC)
Location: Gunnison, Colo. (Paul Wright Gym)

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Western Colorado came out strong in front of the home crowd, racing to a 3–0 lead behind kills from Anuhea Kaalele, Olive Rolseth, and a block by Breanna Nohava and Liv Marshall.
• The Mountaineers continued to pressure Westminster early, with Kaalele finding seams in the defense and Willits setting up balanced attacks across the front line. Western held the lead midway through the frame and matched the Griffins point-for-point through 23–25 before Westminster narrowly escaped the opener.
• Kaalele led the way with several first-set kills and Willits distributed efficiently to keep Western in rhythm.
• Western again came out sharp in Set Two, with Kyra Kidd and Liv Marshall connecting on early kills and Nohava registering a key block to slow Westminster's outside attack.
• Galatia Andrew and Kaira Willits anchored the back row, combining for double-digit digs through the first two sets, while Kaalele added steady setting and offensive presence.
• Although the set slipped away late, the Mountaineers' front line continued to show promise with Marshall, Kidd, and Nohava forming an effective blocking trio at the net.
• The Mountaineers refused to go quietly, trading points in a back-and-forth third frame that featured six ties and multiple lead changes.
• Kyra Kidd and Liv Marshall each tallied momentum-building kills, while Emalie Depew came off the bench to add energy and finish strong at the net. Kaalele kept the offense balanced, dishing out assists to six different hitters as Western battled deep into the set before falling 20–25. The Mountaineers' late push, including a service ace from Rolseth and a series of defensive stops, capped a determined performance.

• Kaalele led the Mountaineers with seven kills, 12 assists, and eight digs while running a balanced offense throughout the match. Kidd followed with six kills on a .333 hitting percentage and added three blocks at the net.
• Marshall matched her with six kills, three blocks, and four digs to round out a strong all-around effort. Willits set the tone defensively and offensively with 10 assists and nine digs, while Andrew anchored the back row with a team-high 12 digs.
• Depew provided an offensive spark off the bench, contributing three kills and a block. Nohava added two kills and two blocks, and Rolseth chipped in four kills and an ace. As a team, Western Colorado finished with 29 kills, 43 digs, and five total blocks in the three-set match.

• Western Colorado hosts Colorado Mesa on Oct. 10 at 3pm.