Defensive lapses the difference in close-fought three-set match.

By CSU-Pueblo Athletics Media Relations

GOLDEN, Colo. (GoThunderWolves.com - Sept. 16, 2010) - Despite demonstrating success on their attack, defense was lacking as CSU-Pueblo lost in three sets to Colorado School of Mines to open the conference season Thursday.

The Pack was on the short end in a 25-17, 25-23, 25-20 loss.

The ThunderWolves only registered 30 digs in the match, its lowest output since in a loss since Sept. 11, 2009 vs. Western State, as libero Ashley Michel (Jr., Brighton, Colo.), who normally is among the RMAC leaders in digs with nearly five per set, could only get behind the ball eight times Thursday night.

The Pack front line, despite having a good night attacking the ball, turning in a .216 hit percentage, one of the highest marks of the season, could only get up for two blocks on the night.  As a result, Mines was .319 on the attack, by far the highest output for a ThunderWolf opponent this season.

The Pack got good nights up front from Ashley Wilkinson (Jr., Colorado Springs, Colo.), who had 10 kills and a .316 attack percentage, and Gina Abbott (So., Salinas, Calif.), who had seven kills and hit .455.

The road doesn't get any easier for the Pack, as they now travel to Nebraska-Kearney for a showdown with the 14th-ranked Lopers, game two of a three-game road swing to open up the RMAC schedule.  CSU-Pueblo will be seeking its first win over Nebraska-Kearney since 1997.