Box Score

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Buzz-kills. That's what the nation's No. 12-ranked Division II volleyball team were to Fort Lewis this afternoon in the Gallogly Events Center.
 
Fort Lewis (3-3 overall) came into the match off the high of a three-set sweep over regional rival Midwestern State this morning only to watch Wayne State (Neb.) seep them 25-23-25-13, 25-16 this afternoon.
 
The pesky Skyhawks did test the Wildcats early, though.
 
“In the first set, we matched them point-for-point,” said ninth-year FLC head volleyball coach Shelly Aaland. “As the game proceeded, we lost our momentum.”
 
The defeat overshadowed a stellar performance by junior libero Jenna Kinzer, who finished with 25 digs — sixth most in FLC history in a three-set game.
 
“Jenna was amazing on defense,” said Aaland.
 
She wasn't the lone junior to shine for the Skyhawks. Middle blocker Kristin Stephan led FLC with 10 kills and a .381 hitting efficiency.
 
“Kristin continues to improve her role in the middle by leading us in kills,” said the Skyhawk skipper.
 
Ashley Wells added 9 kills, while Alexa Moser had 8.
 
Wayne State relied on a balanced offensive attack, as no Wildcat notched double digits in kills. Cori Hobbs and Lauren Sieckmann each notched 9 kills.
 
Setter Leisa McClintock distributed the wealth, allowing Wayne State to notch 35 kills.
 
Surprisingly, Fort Lewis hung with the highly-touted Wildcats in terms of kills (35-34 in favor of WSC) and even outdug the Nebraskans 42-36.
 
The real difference proved to be in blocking (Wayne led 8-1) and attack errors (FLC committed 29 compared to just 9 for WSC).
 
Tomorrow, FLC will face Franklin Pierce (3-3) at 9 a.m. and UC-Colorado Springs (2-3 entering their match with Wayne State tonight) at 2 p.m.
 
Fans can watch follow the Mountain Lion Invitational live on AmericaOne at http://www.americaonesports.com/partner_members.asp?id=57. Live stats are also available at http://www.gomountainlions.com/vblive/xlive.htm.