SPEARFISH, S.D. The Western Colorado women's volleyball team traveled to Spearfish, South Dakota, for the second regional pod of the season, opening the weekend against familiar foe Chadron State. The Mountaineers delivered a dominant performance from start to finish, sweeping the Eagles 3-0 to kick off the weekend with a victory.
JUST THE FACTS
Final Score: Western Colorado def. Chadron State 3-0 (25-22, 25-13, 25-17)
Records: Western Colorado 10-11 (4-6 RMAC), Chadron State 9-13 (2-8 RMAC)
Location: Donald E. Young Center
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Western Colorado University women's volleyball team opened the regional pod weekend in dominant fashion, sweeping Chadron State College 3-0. The Mountaineers came out strong in the opening set before finding their rhythm offensively and taking control of the match to secure the straight-set victory.
- Western opened the first set with momentum, jumping out to an early 4-1 lead. Chadron State responded with a run of its own, battling back to even the score at five apiece. From there, the two teams traded points in a competitive opening frame, with neither side able to create much separation. The Mountaineers remained composed down the stretch, putting together a late run to pull ahead and close out the first set, 25-22, taking an early 1-0 lead in the match.
- The Mountaineers carried that momentum into the second set, taking control early and maintaining their advantage throughout the frame. Western's offense found its rhythm, while the defense limited the Eagles' opportunities to build any momentum. The Mountaineers continued to apply pressure on both sides of the net, steadily extending their lead before closing out the set in convincing fashion, 25-13, to move within one set of the sweep.
- Leading Western's offensive attack was Karease Broeker, who recorded a team-high and season-high 10 kills. Broeker consistently made her presence felt at the net, helping the Mountaineers maintain their offensive pressure throughout the match. Mary Hamann also contributed offensively, finishing with eight kills to help power Western's attack.
- Western continued to build on its strong performance in the third set, keeping the pressure on Chadron State and working toward completing the sweep. The Mountaineers maintained control as they looked to close out the match, limiting the Eagles' chances to extend the contest. Western ultimately secured the third set to finish off the 3-0 victory, opening the regional pod weekend with a convincing performance.
- Defensively, Broeker continued to lead the way at the net, recording a team-high and season-high seven blocks. Breanna Nohava matched Broeker's defensive production with seven blocks of her own, giving the Mountaineers a strong presence at the net and helping disrupt Chadron State's offensive attack. The combined effort from Broeker and Nohava played a key role in limiting the Eagles' scoring opportunities throughout the match.
- Behind the front line, Galatia Andrew anchored Western's back-row defense, leading the team with 18 digs. Andrew's defensive effort helped keep rallies alive and provided the Mountaineers with opportunities to transition into their offensive attack. Western's defensive consistency, combined with its ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, proved to be a difference-maker in the straight-set win.
UP NEXT
The Mountaineers are back in action tomorrow at 10 AM as Western will take on Black Hills State in the final game of the regional pod.
