GUNNISON, COLO.,   In their final home match of the season, Western Colorado battled RMAC powerhouse MSU Denver but fell in straight sets (17–25, 16–25, 17–25) Saturday evening inside Paul Wright Gymnasium.

JUST THE FACTS
Final Score: MSU Denver defeats Western Colorado 3-0
Records: Western Colorado overall 1-23 (0-13 RMAC) | MSU Denver 21-3 overall (11-1 RMAC)
Location: Gunnison, CO (Paul Wright Gymnasium)

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The opening set featured several early ties as the Mountaineers traded points with the Roadrunners through a 9–9 start. Liv Marshall sparked the offense with multiple early kills, while Olive Rolseth and Kyra Kidd each contributed at the net.
• Despite the strong start, MSU Denver's efficient hitting down the stretch, led by Brooke Gennerman and Skyler Michael, allowed the visitors to pull away for a 25–17 win.
• Western again came out strong, with kills from Marshall, Anuhea Kaalele, and Breanna Nohava keeping things close early. However, a string of Roadrunner blocks and service aces shifted momentum as MSU Denver extended its lead midway through the frame.
• Kaalele set up several strong offensive plays and added a kill of her own, but the Mountaineers couldn't overcome MSU Denver's .316 hitting percentage, dropping the second set 25–16.
• The Mountaineers showed resilience in the final frame, with Rolseth, Kidd, and Marshall each recording key kills to keep the score tight in the opening rallies. Kaalele and Kaira Willits each added service aces, and Emily Robins provided a spark off the bench with two kills.
• Despite Western's improved offensive rhythm and hitting .188 in the set, the Roadrunners' balanced attack once again proved too much as MSU Denver closed out the match 25–17.

NET NOTES
Marshall led Western Colorado with eight kills, followed by Rolseth and Kidd with five apiece. Kaalele added 12 assists and a service ace, while Willits tallied nine assists and seven digs. On defense, Galatia Andrew collected seven digs and Nohava contributed three blocks.

UP NEXT
The Mountaineers travel to CSU Pueblo on Fri. Nov. 14 for their second to last game of the season.