The Western Colorado women's volleyball team closed out the second regional pod of the season against Black Hills State in a hard-fought five-set battle. The Mountaineers jumped out to a 2-0 lead after winning the opening two sets but were unable to hold off the Yellow Jackets' comeback, falling in five sets to conclude the weekend.
Western is now 10-12 overall and 4-6 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play. BHSU is 9-13 and 4-6 in league play.
Western came out strong in the opening set, jumping out to an early 8-2 lead to take control of the frame. The Mountaineers maintained their advantage for much of the set before Black Hills State put together a run of its own, cutting Western's lead to just one point. Western responded with a run late in the frame to regain control and close out the opening set, 25-17, taking a 1-0 lead in the match.
The second set featured a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading points throughout the frame. Neither side was able to create much separation as the set approached its closing stages. With Western trailing late, the Mountaineers put together an impressive six-point run to even the score at 22 apiece. The two teams continued to battle beyond the 25-point mark, but Western came through in the extra-point thriller to take the second set, 27-25, and move ahead 2-0 in the match.
Black Hills State responded in the third set, finding its rhythm and building momentum to avoid the sweep. The Yellow Jackets pulled away down the stretch to claim the third set, 25-19, cutting Western's lead to 2-1.
The Yellow Jackets carried that momentum into the fourth set, continuing to challenge the Mountaineers and force Western to fight for every point. Black Hills State secured the set to even the match at two sets apiece and send the contest to a decisive fifth set.
In the fifth and final frame, Black Hills State grabbed the early lead and looked to carry its momentum from the previous two sets into the deciding set. Western battled back to keep the score close, putting together a run to give itself a chance late. However, the Yellow Jackets maintained their advantage down the stretch and closed out the set, 15-11, to secure the five-set victory.
Leading the way offensively for the Mountaineers was Maggie Legg, who recorded a match-high and season-high 17 kills. Mary Hamann also contributed to Western's attack, finishing with seven kills. Anuhea Ka'alele paced the Mountaineers in assists with 18, while Olivia Moore added 13 assists to help facilitate the offense throughout the match.
Up next
The Mountaineers are back in action Oct. 30, traveling to Colorado Springs to take on UCCS. First serve is set for 6 p.m.
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