Box score

DURANGO, Colo. — Fort Lewis (8-7 overall, 4-3 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) defeated Black Hills State (5-11, 0-7) in four sets tonight in Whalen Gymnasium in the first-ever meeting between the two schools. The Skyhawks won 25-18, 16-25, 25-13, 25-18.
 
“Tonight was a very good character night. We showed what kind of team we were,” said ninth-year FLC head coach Shelly Aaland. “We did not allow them to come back in set four, whereas in past matches we had not been that strong.”
 
Skyhawk setter Ciara Krening had 40 assists, leading FLC to a .286 hitting efficiency with 46 kills.
 
“Ciara did a great job distributing tonight with three players in double digit kills,” said Aaland.
 
Three Skyhawks notched double-digit kills — Hannah Starbuck (11 kills, .550), Ashley Wells (11, .222), and Ashley Ellis (10, .316). Stephani Sonka added eight kills and a .353.
 
“I give a ton of credit to our defensive, both front row and back row,” said Aaland.
 
Fort Lewis registered 30 digs (Jenna Kinzer led with nine, while Starbuck and Wells had six apiece) and 14 blocks (Ellis had four and Kristin Stephan added three).
 
“The discipline that was displayed reinforced our game plan,” Aaland added. “Black Hills is a strong team, which makes this victory even sweeter.”
 
The Skyhawks benefitted from strong service and recorded seven aces during the game — including four in the first set. Sonka led the way with three aces, while Stephan added two.
 
The Yellow Jackets were led by a pair of powerful attackers, Amy O'Neill (15 kills, .226) and Caitlin Templeton (13, .292). Kelsey Olson had 12 digs, while Kylee Lamb notched three solo blocks.
 
“I was very satisfied with the set distribution from Ciara tonight, getting three players in double digits,” said Aaland.
 
Fort Lewis continues its four-game homestand at 6 p.m. tomorrow night when it hosts Chadron State (3-13, 1-6). The Eagles were swept in three sets at Colorado Mesa tonight, but put up a big fight, losing 25-23, 29-27, 25-23.
 
The Skyhawks lead the all-time series with the Eagles 20-8, including victories in the past five meetings. FLC leads 9-2 all-time in Whalen Gymnasium.
 
Tomorrow's match marks Parent's Night, in which parents and family members of Skyhawk players and coaches will be recognized during a pregame ceremony.