The nineteenth ranked Colorado School of Mines volleyball team started off their conference schedule with a strong showing against Colorado Christian University. Winning in 3-0 in straight set of 25-16, 25-14, and 25-20 to improve to 6-3 on the season and 1-0in the RMAC.
The whole match lasted just a little over an hour as the lady Orediggers simply drubbed CCU. The first set started out very competitive, but with both teams tied 11-11, Mines went on to score eight straight points to go up 11-19 and would run away with the first set after that winning 25-16. Mines led the second set from the opening point. Their largest lead of the night came with the score 9-19 in the second set, and just like the first set, the lady Orediggers would continue their dominance taking the second set 25-14.
The third and final set of the night was more hotly contested than the previous two had been. Mines scored the first point and jumped out to a 6-11 lead and then an 11-18 lead, but CCU, not wanting to be swept, fought back to within two points bringing the score to 20-22. Their comeback fell short as Mines scored the final three points of the set to sweep CCU 3-0.
Reigning RMAC player of the week, Melanie Wannamaker, had a team high 12 kills, a blazing .600 attack percentage and two blocks. Danielle Johnson-Hazlewood had another stellar performance recording 31 assists as the reigning RMAC setter of the week. She also added eight digs and two kills on the night. Sarah Pekarek chipped in 10 kills on a .259 attack percentage and seven digs. Hannah Margheim led the team with 18 digs, Taryn Huber added 10 digs, and Alanna Winfield recorded seven kills of her own.
Strong individual efforts were matched by an equally strong team defensive effort, as the Orediggers held Colorado Christian to an attack percentage of just .048 while recording a .258 attack percentage of their own. As a team, Mines recorded 39 total kills and 59 digs.
After dropping their first three matches of the year, Mines is currently in the midst of a six game winning streak and is looking strong as the conference schedule heats up these next few weeks.