The Mavericks road trip to University of Colorado-Colorado Springs (UCCS) and Colorado State-Pueblo (CSUP) was successful as they walked away with two victories.
Starting Friday night at UCCS, the Mavericks took the first set 25-12 as they only had one error that came off of a service error by freshman libero Jordan Woods.
Freshman outside hitter Sydney Leffler continued to dominate with four of her 20 kills coming in the first set. This includes her back to back kills she was able to snag to win the set for the Mavericks.
The Mountain Lions and Mavericks went back and forth in a battle of a second set where Colorado Mesa University (CMU) was able to get the 28-26 victory.
UCCS was able to tie the set at four off of an attack error by redshirt freshman outside hitter Sierra Hunt. Hunt played all four sets for the Mavericks and was able to add eight more kills to make her season total after Friday night 70 kills so far this season.
Either team really went on a big scoring run, which made the game so close.
After an attack error by Leffler, redshirt sophomore middle blocker Savannah Spitzer was able to reset the game at 25. Redshirt junior outside hitter Holly Schmidt was able to come in clutch with the service ace to give the Mavericks the momentum they needed.
Emily Ettel regained control for UCCS as she was able to get the pass off of Hannah Ammeran for a smooth kill. Leffler then responded with a kill of her own. An attack error by Lauryn Shockley finished the game for the Mavericks as they were able to take the first two sets.
UCCS responded to the close second set by playing aggressive early and playing the whole 25 points through.
Shockley took control and could not be stopped as she was able to make the ball hit the hardwood six times throughout the set including the final point. The team also was able to capitalize on all six errors the Mavericks made.
After forcing a set four, the Maverick took charge and made sure that they got the job finished and that is exactly what they did. They limited the amount of errors that they had to just one and was able to have 14 kills in the 25-19 win.
The Mavericks were able to go into the Thunderwolves territory with a win under their belt knowing that they were able to take on a very good CSUP team.
In a very competitive match each set was evenly fought by both teams as the game went into the fifth set.
The Mavericks had to play catch up in set one but could never get on the right pace to secure that first set win. The team recorded ten errors in the set.
The second set went more in the Mavericks favor as they were able to start on a high note and finish strong as well. The Mavericks made big strides and were able to get a big 25-16 victory.
The Mavericks were outplayed in the third match as they came up short with their second set win but had to win the fourth to force a fifth and final set. In the fifth set, CMU controlled most of the set as the energy was unmatched from the Mavericks.
The Mavericks were able to take that energy and put it all into the match and take a big victory over CSUP.
Redshirt freshman right side hitter Gabby Vogt led the Mavericks in kills on the night with 23 setting a CMU career high for the right side hitter. Woods dominated at the service line with six aces that were crucial points for CMU all throughout the match.
The Mavericks will return back home as they take on Western and Fort Lewis in two home matches that are set for Friday Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. and Oct. 30 at 4 p.m.
