PUEBLO, Colo. – The energy inside Massari Arena was electric Friday night—and not just because of the volleyball on the court. On a night dedicated to celebrating the program's proud history, the Colorado State University Pueblo volleyball team honored numerous Pack Volleyball alumni, and then delivered a performance that would've made every one of them proud.
The ThunderWolves continued their remarkable midseason surge, sweeping Colorado School of Mines in straight sets (25–16, 25–23, 25–22) to claim their eighth consecutive victory and 12th win in their last 13 matches. The Pack, who remain perfect in RMAC play at 6–0, improved to 12–4 overall, while Mines—receiving votes in the latest AVCA national rankings—fell to 11–4 and 2–3 in conference action.
From the opening serve, the Pack set the tone. Behind the smooth setting of Elena Stankovic and a balanced attack led by Taylor Cary and Golden Finch, CSU Pueblo jumped out to a commanding lead in the first set. Stankovic's back-to-back service aces and Finch's powerful presence at the net fueled a 25–16 win that sent the alumni-filled crowd into a roar.
The Orediggers regrouped in the second frame, pushing the ThunderWolves to the brink. But as they've done all season, the Pack found another gear. Caelyn Gunn steadied the team with her composure and all-around play, recording critical kills and defensive stops in key moments. With the score tied late, Gunn's laser down the line sealed the 25–23 victory and a two-set lead.
Mines showed its fight early in the third, but the ThunderWolves' depth proved too much. Finja Schul and Lily Zwart controlled the net defensively, combining for a series of momentum-shifting blocks. Cary continued her efficient attacking night, and Finch's hammering swings punctuated the sweep as CSU Pueblo closed the match 25–22 to the delight of 469 fans inside Massari Arena.
The ThunderWolves hit .278 as a team while holding Mines to just .111, dominating the net with 12 total blocks to Mines' five. Cary led all hitters with 11 kills on .370 hitting, Finch added six kills and seven blocks, and Gunn contributed eight kills and 20 digs in a stellar two-way performance. Stankovic was once again the offensive engine, finishing with 33 assists, 10 digs, and two aces for a double-double, while Megan Mattingly anchored the defense with nine digs and strong serve-receive.
As the Pack huddled at midcourt for their postgame celebration, the win carried extra meaning—not just as another statement victory, but as a nod to the alumni whose legacy continues to inspire the program today.
Now, the ThunderWolves turn their attention to the road ahead—literally. CSU Pueblo will embark on a six-match road trip, beginning next Friday in Salt Lake City, Utah, where they'll take on Westminster College in RMAC play. The Pack will look to keep their winning streak alive and continue proving why they've become one of the hottest teams in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
