RAPID CITY, S.D. --- In a crucial RMAC match Friday night, the South Dakota Mines Hardrockers defeated the Thunderwolves from Colorado State University Pueblo 3-0 (25-22; 25-22; 25-19) who are receiving votes in the AVCA poll. The win gives the Hardrockers a 10-13 overall record and 7-8 in the RMAC. The Hardrockers will now face the Mountain Lions from University Colorado Colorado Springs Saturday night at 6 PM at the King Center.
How It Happened – The Thunderwolves went up early in the set 7-3, but the Hardrockers came back to go ahead 14-13 on an ace by
Hannah Benes. The lead would change a couple of times till the Hardrockers scored two straight points to lead 20-18 and CSUP calling a timeout. With the score 23-20, the Thunderwolves inched to within one 23-22, but the Hardrockers scored the next two points taking the set 25-23.
Paisley Gibson led the Hardrockers with six kills and
Jacey Koethe had 2 blocks.
In the second set, the Hardrockers would take a early 5-4 lead over the Thunderwolves. The set would be tied 9-9 and 10-10, then the Thunderwolves would grab a 14-11 lead. The Hardrockers would then fight back to lead 21-19 on a big kill by
Victoria Zagorski. CSUP would tie the set 21-21 and then go up 22-21 with the Hardrockers calling a timeout. Koethe would tie it up with a kill 22-22. Gibson's kill gave the Hardrockers a 24-22 advantage going into set point. The Hardrockers would win set two 25-22 on a kill by Gibson.
In the third set, the Hardrockers would again jump out to a 7-5 lead over the Thunderwolves. Two big kills by
Lily Bartling and Koethe gave the Hardrockers a 11-7 lead. The Hardrockers would lead by five 14-9 on some outstanding hustle on the defense. The Hardrockers would force the Thunderwolves to take a timeout with the score 16-11. The Hardrockers would take their biggest lead of the night 19-13 on a kill by Zagorski. The Thunderwolves climbed back into the set but the Hardrockers would complete the sweep on a kill by Gibson.
Notes – Paisley Gibson led the team in kills and recorded another double double with 14 digs…
Jacey Koethe added 12 kills and three blocks…
Kiley Metzger continues to play well, recording 40 assists…
Anna Thomas recorded 20 digs.
Up Next – The Hardrockers host UCCS tomorrow for senior night, looking to clinch an RMAC playoff spot.
About South Dakota Mines
The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) and NCAA Division II offering 10 men's and women's varsity intercollegiate athletic programs. The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference is a premier NCAA Division II conference with 15 members, as well as four associate members, located in the states of California, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Utah.
