CANYON, TEXAS,   Despite falling to Oklahoma Baptist in three sets, the Mountaineers pushed the Bison to extra points in the final frame.                      

JUST THE FACTS
Final Score: Oklahoma Baptist defeats Western Colorado 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 27-25)
Records: Western Colorado 0-4 | Oklahoma Baptist 3-0
Location: Canyon, Texas | WTAMU Fieldhouse "The Box"
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The opening set began with Oklahoma Baptist racing out to an early advantage, but Western found momentum midway through the frame. Senior Olive Rolseth sparked the Mountaineer attack with back-to-back kills from the outside, followed quickly by another sharp swing down the line that brought Western within four.
• On the next rally, sophomore Galatia Andrew dug out a powerful Bison attempt and turned it into a point with a service ace, narrowing the margin further.
• Junior Liv Marshall added a cross-court finish to cap the run, but Oklahoma Baptist managed to side out late, closing the set 25–17 despite Western's surge.
• In the second set, the Mountaineers again clawed back after falling behind early. Junior Kyra Kidd energized the team with consecutive kills in the middle, forcing the Bison defense to adjust.
• Shortly after, Rolseth ripped a serve for an ace, swinging momentum back to Western's side. Kaʻalele orchestrated the offense effectively, feeding Marshall for a kill from the outside before junior Kaira Willits came in to deliver a service ace that cut the lead to 18–15.
• Andrew continued to stabilize the back row with two sprawling digs in the final rallies, keeping Western within range. The Mountaineers' rally fell just short as Oklahoma Baptist closed the set 25–17.
• The third set proved to be Western's breakthrough. From the opening serve, Marshall took command, firing a kill on the left pin and then following up with a service ace to give the Mountaineers early momentum.
• Rolseth countered a Bison run with two quick kills, while Andrew extended rallies with key digs that allowed the offense to stay in system. At the net, Kidd was dominant, stuffing back-to-back attacks that swung the lead to Western, 21–18.
• Moments later, Marshall delivered another kill through the block, and freshman Emily Robins added a crucial block of her own to keep the Mountaineers ahead 24–23 with a set point.
• The Bison managed to fend off the upset bid with a late push, edging out the set 27–25.

 
NET NOTES

• Marshall and Rolseth provided the Mountaineers with their primary scoring punch, finishing with 12 and 11 kills respectively. Together, they accounted for nearly three-quarters of Western Colorado's offense. At the setting position, Kaʻalele and Willits guided the attack, each distributing 10 assists and keeping the offense in rhythm during key stretches.
• Defensively, Marshall and Andrew both reached double figures with 10 digs apiece, anchoring the back row and extending rallies throughout the match. From the service line, Marshall and Willits again paced the Mountaineers, each recording two aces that fueled scoring runs in the second and third sets. At the net, Kidd controlled the middle with four blocks, while Robins added one.

UP NEXT
The Mountaineers head to Colorado Springs, Colorado to compete at the Mountain Lion Classic on Fri. and Sat. Sept 12 and 13.
 
For more information visit gomountaineers.com