Mesa State 3, CSU-Pueblo 0

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - CSU-Pueblo saw its slim chances of a playoff spot disappear Friday when it lost in three sets at Mesa State.

The ThunderWolves were plagued by attack errors but were very strong defensively, keeping close with the Mavericks throughout the duration of the match.  After a disappointing first set loss, 25-17, the Pack battled, turning a close second-set into a 23-23 deadlock following consecutive kills by Janae Heiser (So., Westminster, Colo.).  But the ThunderWolves simply ran out of steam as Mesa State converted the next two points with stellar front line plays to take set two 25-23.

The Pack continued to battle in the third set, opening up a lead of 14-11 and playing back and forth for the remainder of the set.  The ThunderWolves held a 22-20 lead but three errors down the stretch opened up an opportunity for Mesa State as the Mavericks clinched the match with another 25-23 win.

CSU-Pueblo's loss drops the team to 7-18 on the season, 5-1/2 games back of Western New Mexico with four games remaining.  Western New Mexico eliminated CSU-Pueblo Friday by claiming a five-set win from Western State.

CSU-Pueblo will finish out their season with two road games next weekend at Fort Lewis and Western State before heading home to host New Mexico Highlands and Western New Mexico.