Box Score

DURANGO, Colo. — Adams State (17-8 overall, 11-6 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) spoiled senior night by defeating Fort Lewis (5-21, 2-16) in four sets tonight in Whalen Gymnasium.

“I wanted a win to end the season, but I will take the effort tonight,” said eighth-year FLC head coach Shelly Aaland whose team battled injuries and inexperience throughout the season. “From top to bottom, the players on the court showcased what we've been working for. I applaud that they haven't given up on the season.”

The game marked the final home appearance for seniors Heather Bryant and Jessica Wilson. Bryant, a defensive specialist from Loveland, Colo., had 12 digs and two service aces. Wilson, an outside hitter from Durango, recorded a match-high 17 kills and added a .333 hitting efficiency, nine digs and two blocks.

“I couldn't be more proud of these two seniors with the growth that they've showed these past two years,” said Aaland. “They are two incredible young women and I couldn't be more proud to have had them on my team. They both had great nights to finish their careers here.”

Unfortunately for the home side, the Grizzlies matched FLC's hunger. In a race to capture the RMAC West Division title, Adams State showed the tenacity of a champion to rally in each of the first two sets. In the first set, they fell behind 17-7 before winning 12 of the next 14 points to level the score at 19-19. In the back-and-forth second, they came back from a 15-12 deficit.

Equally frustrating for the Skyhawks was the interpretation of setting rules. Skyhawk setter Ciara Krenning was called for nine double hits in the game; in the previous 25 games this season, she was only whistled for 13 such infractions.

“In a close match like that, it's unfortunate that the officiating was noticed as much as it was,” said the normally quiet Aaland, who received the first yellow card of her career tonight.

Despite the setting errors, Krenning finished with 39 assists and was spectacular on defense, notching nine digs.

Adams State was paced by middle blocker Megan Tapia, who had 17 kills, a .419 attack percentage, and four blocks. Fellow middle Deprece Washington had 10 kills and five blocks.

The game was a homecoming of sorts for ASC setter Gabriella Rifilato, a former setter for nearby Bayfield High School. Her father, Ed Rifilato, was also head football coach at Fort Lewis for six seasons from 2004-09. Rifilato recorded 36 assists, eight digs, three kills, one block, and one ace.

The Skyhawks lose just Bryant and Wilson to graduation. Their 16-player roster was populated with 14 freshmen and sophomores. Two starters — libero Jenna Kinzer and middle blocker Kristen Stephan — were lost at midseason due to back and leg injuries, respectively, while freshman outside hitter Shelby Lehman redshirted while recovering from offseason knee surgery.