DENVER, Colo. – The Colorado State University Pueblo volleyball team battled throughout but dropped its second straight Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) contest on Saturday afternoon, falling in straight sets (17-25, 20-25, 19-25) to the No. 12-ranked MSU Denver Roadrunners inside the Auraria Event Center.

Despite the setback, the ThunderWolves (13-7 overall, 7-3 RMAC) remain firmly in contention for one of the top spots in the conference standings, currently sitting fourth overall with two weekends left in regular-season play.

Match Summary

Facing one of the most consistent and nationally respected programs in Division II volleyball, the Pack fought hard but couldn't overcome the Roadrunners' balance and efficiency. MSU Denver (17-3, 9-1 RMAC) showcased its firepower across all rotations, hitting .325 as a team while holding CSU Pueblo to a .143 mark.

The opening set saw the ThunderWolves keep pace early before MSU Denver used a key 9-1 run midway through to seize control and take the set 25-17. The second frame was the most competitive of the afternoon, as Pueblo trailed just 21-19 late before the Roadrunners closed on a 4-1 spurt to secure the 25-20 win. In the third, the Pack opened with energy and built a 5-3 lead, but MSU Denver responded with steady blocking and strong transition play to finish off the match, 25-19.

Overall, the Roadrunners recorded 51 kills to the ThunderWolves' 34 and owned narrow advantages in both digs (52-43) and blocks (10-7).

CSU Pueblo Leaders

Senior outside hitter Caelyn Gunn paced the Pack offense with 10 kills and added six digs. Fellow outside hitter Taylor Cary continued her strong play at the net, finishing with seven kills and three total blocks. Junior right-side hitter Lily Zwart also tallied seven kills on an efficient .278 hitting percentage.

Setter Elena Stankovic dished out 25 assists while adding five digs and a block assist. Libero Megan Mattingly anchored the Pack defense with a team-high 10 digs, while defensive specialist Kacee Garcia contributed seven digs and consistent serve-receive play. Middle blocker Golden Finch added four kills and three blocks, and Chinaru Inoue chipped in seven digs and a service ace in the back row.

Up Next

The ThunderWolves continue RMAC play next weekend in Denver as part of RMAC Pod competition hosted by Regis University. CSU Pueblo will face Colorado Christian and Regis in two critical matchups that could shape the Regional seeding picture. With the postseason fast approaching, the Pack will look to regain their rhythm and strengthen their hold on a top-four position in the conference standings.