PUEBLO, Colo. (September 20, 2019) – In their home opener, Colorado State University-Pueblo Volleyball treated fans to a thrilling five set match against Western Colorado University at Massari Arena Friday. In the end, the Mountaineers escaped with the 3-2 (25-16, 21-25, 23-25, 25-16, 13-15) win over the ThunderWolves.

CSU-Pueblo dominated the first and fourth sets, the two sets they won handily. The Pack outhit the Mountaineers .256-.108 in the first set. CSU-Pueblo hit an amazing .414 in the fourth set, while Western Colorado only mustered a .089 hitting clip.

The Pack started the match on a 4-0 run. Another 4-0 run later in the first set propelled the Pack to a 25-16 lead. CSU-Pueblo rolled in the fourth set, despite never having a run longer than three points.

In the close sets, the Pack could not overcome the Mountaineers. A 4-0 run in the second set gave the Mountaineers a lead they would never relinquish. They led the entire third set. Though the Pack rallied within one they could never tie it.

CSU-Pueblo held an 11-9 lead in the fifth set, but a 4-0 run for the Mountaineers put them in front. The Pack tied it up. However, Western Colorado pulled off the last two points to eek out a 3-2 win.

Brooke Schilling (Jr., Platteville, Colo.) earned her first double-double of the season. Schilling spiked down a match-high 19 kills. She also secured  16 digs. Schilling hit an incredible .415 for the match.

Grace Hern (So., Omaha, Neb.) picked up her fourth double-double of the season. Hern handed out 27 assists. She also had 11 digs.

Maddy Wisniewski (Jr., Highlands Ranch, Colo.)knocked down 12 kills. Wisniewski hit .393 for the match.

Diamond'Nique Young (Fr., Fresno, Calif.) had a career-high three solo blocks. Young finished with four blocks, six kills, and a .400 hitting percentage.

Kelsey Bell (Sr., Los Lunas, N.M.) dished out 23 assists. Bell also dropped in two aces. Libero, Kyle Meltzer (Jr., Fort Collins, Colo.)totaled 21 digs. Meltzer also dropped in two aces.

The Pack will continue its first homestand of the season Saturday when they host Colorado Mesa University. First set at Massari Arena is set for 2 p.m.

Leaders of the Pack:
Kills: Schilling (19)
Assists: Hern (27)
Digs: Meltzer (21)
Blocks: Young (4)
Aces:  Bell, Meltzer, Kennede Jones (2)
Hitting Pct (min. 5 kills).: Schilling (.415)

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As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, Colorado State University – Pueblo competes in 22 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.