SALT LAKE CITY, Utah. The Western Colorado women's volleyball team wrapped up its two-match road trip on Saturday afternoon with a matchup against Westminster University in Salt Lake City. For the second time this season, the Mountaineers and Griffins battled through five competitive sets, with both teams fighting until the final point. After another hard-fought battle, Western came up just short, falling to Westminster in five sets.
JUST THE FACTS
Final Score: Westminster University def. Western Colorado 3-2 (25-21, 25-21, 25-23, 25-23, 15-13)
Records: Western Colorado 7-9 (2-4 RMAC), Westminster University 3-13 (2-4 RMAC)
Location: Behnken Field House
HOW IT HAPPENED
- From the opening serve, the Mountaineers and Griffins battled back and forth, with neither team able to pull away for long. The first set featured several short runs from both sides as Western looked to establish momentum. The Mountaineers put together a run midway through the frame, but Westminster answered late to take the opening set, 25-21.
- Western responded with strong play in the second set, quickly finding its rhythm and putting pressure on the Griffins. The Mountaineers used a five-point run in the middle of the frame to take control of the set. Westminster attempted to battle back, but Western maintained its advantage and evened the match with a 25-21 second-set victory.
- The Griffins answered in the third set as the two teams once again battled through a tightly contested frame. Western remained within striking distance throughout the set, but Westminster was able to make enough plays down the stretch to take the third set, 25-21, and regain the lead in the match.
- With its back against the wall, Western came out with strong energy in the fourth set. The Mountaineers put together a seven-point run midway through the frame to build a 17-12 advantage. Westminster responded with a run of its own, eventually tying the set at 20-20. Western remained composed in the closing points, making key plays to close out the set and force a decisive fifth set.
- Sierra Long led the Mountaineers offensively with 16 kills, while Page Oothoudt added 10 kills and Karease Broeker contributed eight. Anuhea Ka'alele helped direct the Western offense with a team-high 29 assists, while Olivia Moore added 10 assists.
- The fifth and final set opened with Western taking an early 7-5 advantage as both teams continued to battle for control. Westminster fought back and tied the set at 10-10, setting up a dramatic finish with both teams needing just five more points to claim the match.
- The Griffins then used a 4-0 run to take control late in the deciding set. Western battled back and made one final push, but Westminster held on to capture the fifth set, 15-13, and secure the five-set victory. Despite the setback, the Mountaineers battled throughout the match and pushed the Griffins to the final point.
- Defensively, Galatia Andrew led the back line with the match-high 29 digs. Maggie Legg tallied 17 and Ka'alele added 16 to the match.
UP NEXT
The Mountaineers will be back in action on Tuesday, October 6, as they return home to host Fort Lewis College at 6 p.m. inside Paul Wright Gym. Western will celebrate its Pink Out and Pack the House game, so fans are encouraged to come out and support the Mountaineers as they return home for RMAC action.
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