RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota Mines volleyball squad played host to Western Colorado University Tuesday night in the King Center. The Hardrockers defeated the Mountaineers 3-1 in convincing fashion, dominating defensively, getting eight blocks, and allowing Western to hit just .106 in the match.
HOW IT HAPPENED
South Dakota Mines trailed early in the first set 9-4 but roared back, tying the set 11-11. The Hardrockers rattled off seven straight points at the end of the set to win 25-18.
Jenna Curtis led the way with five kills in the set.
The second set was never close as the Hardrockers led throughout the set. South Dakota Mines exploded for six straight points midway through the set leading 16-10 and never looking back. They would defeat the Mountaineers 25-18 to take a 2-0 lead.
The third set was a bit of a battle after the Hardrockers initially held a 15-9 lead until the Mountaineers staged a comeback to tie the set 15-15. WCU pulled ahead 19-18 and wound up taking the set from the Hardrockers 25-22, forcing a fourth set.
The Hardrockers did not want this one to go to five and jumped on the Mountaineers early, leading by as much as six points, 11-5. The 'Rockers kept up the lead until Western Colorado mounted a comeback to get within two 23-21, but the Hardrockers would score two more points to win the set 25-21 and the match 3-1.
Overall, the Hardrockers' defense shined, allowing Western Colorado to hit just .106.
NOTES
The Hardrockers blocked eight attacks…
Annelise Larson led the way with 5…the Hardrockers had six aces…
Hannah Benes had four of those aces…
Jenna Curtis and
Annelise Larson led the 'Rockers with 11 kills while freshman
Ivy Vindivich recorded 10 for a career high…
Ellison Spencer had 33 assists…On the defensive side of the court, Benes ended the match with 20 digs.
UP NEXT
The Hardrockers are now 9-6 overall and 3-2 in the RMAC. They will travel to play Fort Lewis College on Saturday, Oct. 7th. The match will begin at 1:00 p.m.
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 13 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.
