Colorado Mesa University’s volleyball team traveled to Lubbock, Texas to compete in Lubbock Christian University’s Chap Classic tournament. The Mavericks dominated with their defense and massive offensive front row.
Immediately, the Mavericks established themselves as the team to beat in the first matchup against tournaments host, LCU. In a matter of 3 matches (25-22, 25-19, 25-14) CMU interrupted the Lady Chaps 8-match homecourt winning streak. During this time Taylor Woods recorded 27 digs, moving her up to 9th in the Mavericks’ history in career digs. Their competition never got a lead on them at any point throughout the match. However, LCU was able to put up a block to deflect CMUs effort but was unable to sustain that barrier in the next 2 sets.
CMU became the epitome of “it’s not how you start but how you finish” when they faced off with Eastern New Mexico University. After falling short in the first two sets (23-25, 23-25) they rallied back with no mercy. Recovering from a .086 and .088 hitting average to a .143. This 5 set match-up proved the team’s stamina and determination and the Mavericks came back to win.
Following the win against ENMU, CMU took the momentum into their third game of the classic against Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Senior Hattie Gianinetti utilized the fast sets to the middle, putting down 15 kills, setting a season high. Taking control early on in the first set, the Mavericks claimed victory 25-15. Rolling into the second set SWOS forced this match to be a 4 set affair, winning 25-21. Harnessing the power of their front row line-up the Mavericks were able to finish of SWOSU (25-16, 25-23).
Completing their non-conference part of their season, Mavericks took on Texas Woman’s University. Standing their ground, CMU challenged TMU to a fight of fittest. This 5-set match took the course over 2 hours and 15 minutes. (25-21, 22-25, 28-26, 19-25, 13-15). Setter Samantha Ritter acquired 49 assists and 16 digs, creating a new career record. With the defense efforts of libero Taylor Woods providing Ritter with 25 digs to utilize. Ritter was able to convert those passes into assisting the offense with opportunities to put the ball back on Texas court.
