Click here for NCAA box score.

DURANGO, Colo. — Nikki Kinzer had 18 kills and four blocks to lead UC-Colorado Springs (5-4 overall, 1-0 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) to a four-game win over Fort Lewis (3-6, 0-1) tonight in the league opener for both teams.

“We continue to improve as we try to figure out how to finish our opportunities,” said eighth-year FLC head coach Shelly Aaland. “We did everything we needed to do to get good transition balls but we struggled to put the ball down when we needed to.”

Fort Lewis rallied for a 28-26 win the opening set, hitting a game-high .190 and 16 kills, but struggled to maintain momentum in the remaining three sets. The Mountain Lions took the next three 25-19, 25-20, 25-21.

The elder Kinzer, a 6-foot-2 junior middle blocker, won the sibling rivalry with her younger sister, Jenna Kinzer, a sophomore libero who had 21 digs and two service aces for the Skyhawks.

Freshman outside hitter Ashley Wells had 13 kills and a pair of blocks to lead the Skyhawks. Senior outside hitter Jessica Wilson added 14 digs, 11 kills and a pair of blocks. Sophomore setter Hali Groninger had 37 assists and three kills.

Mountain Lion right side hitter Alex Wood added 17 digs, 10 kills and three blocks, while UCCS' Sonja Johnson had nine 17 digs and nine kills. Setter Cindy Bathelt finished with 45 assists and five kills.

UC-Colorado Springs hit .201 for the match, finishing with 56 kills. They outdug FLC 78-65.

The Skyhawks hit .106 with 47 kills. Fort Lewis recorded eight service aces to just four for their UCCS counterparts. Blocking was level at 7-7.

The Skyhawks continue their three-game homestand when they host No. 7 Metro State (8-1, 1-0) and No. 25 Regis (8-2, 1-0) at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, respectively, in Whalen Gymnasium.

The weekend also marks FLC's Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony and All-Century Team celebration. Seven Skyhawk volleyball alumnae and former coaches are being recognized at the 9 a.m. Sunday ceremony in the Student Union Ballroom. The volleyball contingent on the All-Century Team includes Jessica Copp (1993-96), Adrianne Dettler (2004-07), Julie Koss-Golden (1989-90), Kelly Nanna Moore (1988-90), Liz Palmer (1985-88), Nicole Schwab (2004-07), and original FLC volleyball coach Peppy Seale (1969-85).