Box Score
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Mesa State College (12-6 overall, 6-3 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) dominated Fort Lewis College (12-6, 6-4) in volleyball action today at Brownson Arena, winning in straight sets 25-9, 25-11, 25-23 to leapfrog the Skyhawks in the race for the RMAC West Division crown.
Entering the game, the Skyhawks held a half-game lead over idle Western New Mexico University (8-6, 6-3) and full game lead the Mavericks.
Following the game, the Mavs and Mustangs shared the division lead, with the Skyhawks a half-game behind.
“With the loss of [senior setter] Adriana Saiz and without any time for the team to work with [freshman backup setter] Hali Groninger, we just didn't have any rhythm,” said seventh-year FLC head coach Shelly Aaland, who was trying to become just the third volleyball coach in school history to amass 100 career victories.
Saiz suffered a knee injury in FLC's five-set win over Adams State Friday night in Whalen Gymnasium, although she did return to the court to help guide the Skyhawks to a nailbiting victory. She will be evaluated by team physicians on Monday.
The Skyhawk attackers recorded just 18 kills in the game, 11 of which came in the third set against many of Mesa State's reserves. Groninger, who has received limited playing time in relief of Saiz earlier this season, assisted on just 12 of those kills. As a team, FLC hit just .010 (18 kills and 17 errors in 100 total attempts).
Chelsea Flaming had six kills and 10 digs for the Skyhawks, while Taylor Hillberry added four kills and four blocks. Jenna Kinzer led all players with 15 digs.
The Mavs were paced by Sarah Kemp's 12 kills and 11 digs and Meagan Bosch's 10 kills and 13 digs. Tara King had 30 assists, 11 digs and three kills. Mesa State hit a blister .406 and .417 in the first two sets and .268 (44 kills, 14 errors, 112 attempts) during the entire game.
The Skyhawks return to Whalen Gymnasium for Homecoming next weekend, where they'll face Colorado Mines (14-4 overall, 7-2 in the RMAC) at 5 p.m. Friday and No. 10 Nebraska-Kearney (18-3, 9-0) at 6 p.m. Saturday. The games mark the start of a four-match homestand.
Aaland, who owns a 99-89 record in her seven years at the helm of the Skyhawk program, will attempt to join her former coach, Marcy Jung (218-203 record, 1986-1998), and Peppy Seale (155-157-5, 1969-1985) in the 100-win club at Fort Lewis College.
