GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The South Dakota School of Mines was up for the challenge Saturday night facing the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference's fifth ranked Colorado Mesa Mavericks in Grand Junction, Colo.

But despite playing their opponents very competitively, the Hardrockers struggled to finish and close out the Mavericks and fell in straight sets, 3-0. Colorado Mesa defeated SD Mines, 25-17, 25-18, 25-10.

The 'Rockers ended the match with 29 kills and .161 hitting percentage. They notched 28 assists, 31 digs and recorded three total blocks. The Mavericks finished with 41 kills and a .369 hitting percentage to go along with 35 assist, 44 digs and one block
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Individually for SD Mines, senior Emily Newton is settling into her new position as an outside hitter leading the team Saturday with 10 kills and a .156 hitting percentage. Fellow outside hitter Mikkella Reese tacked on nine kills and had a .250 hitting percentage. Freshman setter Emma Eckel contributed with 22 assists and junior libero Alye Wagner led the 'Rockers with 13 digs.

The loss drops SD Mines to 3-19 on the season and 1-11 in the RMAC. The Hardrockers return home for a four-match stand over the next two weeks. First up is MSU Denver on Friday followed by a match against the University of Colorado Colorado Springs on Saturday.