Volleyball suffers two losses, hosts home RMAC games over weekend

Chadron State’s volleyball team came out strong against University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, but couldn’t put a full game together. Eagles won the first set 25-18, and the Mountain Lions took the next three 25-14, 25-20, 25-15.

UCCS’ defense caused the Eagles to have a negative hitting percentage in the final two sets, after they hit .433 in the opening set. UCCS hit a low .200 for the game, but it was enough for the win. Nikki Kizner from UCCS led the Mountain Lions with 15 kills and six blocks. Her teammate Kim Catlett added 12 more kills.

On offense, Mallory Irvine, junior middle hitter of Ravenna, had the most kills with twelve and seven blocks. Right behind her was junior middle hitter of Cheyenne, Wyo., Jessica Jester with with nine. Hitters spiked off the 23 assists Justine Ackey, freshman setter of Phoenix, Ariz., provided.

Kristina Harter, senior libero of Colorado Springs, Colo., had a match-high 26 digs. Senior setter of Rapid City, S.D., Alyssa Bauer helped out adding 14 more.

On Tuesday, the Eagles were back on the road, headed to play Wayne State in a non-conference match. Even with the intensity the Eagles brought, it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Wayne overpowered them with a 25-18, 18-25, 25-18, 25-20 match score.

The match consisted of 16 match ties and five lead changes, showing the effort the Eagles were putting forth.

“I was pleased with their effort, especially with the level of competition we played. They were constantly battling,” head interim coach Janel Baily said. “We have some things to clean up before the weekend though.”

Wayne’s hitting percentage was .176, barely ahead of Chadron’s .150. Wayne’s Lauren Siechmann led the Wildcats with 13 kills and Cori Hobbs contributed another 12.

Erika Roybal, sophomore outside hitter of Denver, led the Eagles with 13 kills. On defense, Harter, Ackey and Bauer combined for 47 digs.

This weekend, CSC volleyball, now 3-10, looks forward to hosting the first home games of the season.

“The girls are excited to show their peers and community the improvement they’ve made and the better level of playing they’re at,” Baily said.

The Eagles play two RMAC conference games. They face Colorado Christian University at 7 p.m., Friday, then Colorado School of Mines at 5 p.m., Saturday.