Despite strong defensive performance, ThunderWolves fall in three to Mesa State.

PUEBLO, Colo. (GoThunderWolves.com - Sept. 24, 2010) - The margin of error proved to be small for the ThunderWolves Friday, as a tenacious defense and a largely effective attack was undone by untimely errors, losing in three sets to Mesa State in a match that was much closer than the final score indicates.

In the first set, CSU-Pueblo fought back from an initial 5-0 deficit to play the set to a 23-23 tie, riding an amazing defensive display by libero Ashley Michel (Jr., Brighton, Colo.), who recorded 10 digs in the first set alone.  But Mesa State converted the final two points to eek out the first set 25-23.

In the second set, the Pack got down 9-4 early on and couldn't recover as Mesa State shifted its attack away from Michel to cruise to a 25-20 win.

In the third set, the Pack front row caught on fire, converted four blocks in the set, part of its season-high eight in the match, but were overzealous with five blocking errors in the set and five in the match, giving Mesa State numerous second chances and bowing to the Mavericks, 25-20, in the final set.

The Pack did get solid performances from Michel, who turned in 15 digs, and Ashley Wilkinson (Jr., Colorado Springs, Colo.), who hit .467 and converted 11 kills.

CSU-Pueblo will continue on its four-match home stand Saturday when it hosts Fort Lewis, which it defeated at Massari Arena last season.