GUNNISON, Colo. --- The South Dakota School of Mines women's volleyball team nearly pulled off another rally Friday night during a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference match against Western State Colorado University in Gunnison, Colo., but couldn't quite get over the hump as the Mountaineers were able to turn away the Hardrockers, 3-1.

Western State defeated SD Mines, 25-18, 25-19, 15-25, 25-22. The Hardrockers ended the night with 42 kills and had a .092 hitting percentage. The visitors added 40 assists, four aces, 76 digs and seven total blocks. Western State finished with 44 kills and had a .122 hitting percentage to go along with 42 digs, six aces 76 digs and six total blocks.

Individually for the 'Rockers, senior Emily Newton paced her squad with 15 kills and had a .174 hitting percentage as well as 16 digs and a service ace. Junior Anna Breidt tacked on nine kills with a .107 hitting percentage. Senior Mikkella Reese added seven kills and led the team with 21 digs. Freshman Emma Eckel contributed with 36 of the Hardrockers' 40 assists and junior Alye Wagner came up with 18 digs.

The loss drops SD Mines to 3-18 on the year and 1-9 in conference play. The Hardrockers are back in action Saturday challenging Colorado Mesa in Grand Junction, Colo.