LAS VEGAS, N.M. - The Colorado State University Pueblo volleyball team couldn't have picked a better time to find its rhythm. Behind one of their most efficient performances of the season, the ThunderWolves powered past New Mexico Highlands in straight sets (25-19, 25-15, 25-14) on Saturday night at the John A. Wilson Complex. The win marked CSU Pueblo's third consecutive victory and pushed the Pack into sole possession of third place in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference standings with just three regular-season matches left to play.
It was a statement win for a team peaking at the right time. Just days after being listed as a team under consideration for the NCAA Division II Tournament, the ThunderWolves looked every bit the postseason contender they're fighting to become. CSU Pueblo (16-7 overall, 8-3 RMAC) hit an outstanding .424 as a team, committing only five errors on 92 total attacks, and controlled the match from start to finish against a Highlands squad that simply couldn't match the Pack's consistency and firepower.
Setter Elena Stankovic once again steered the offense with precision, dishing out 35 assists and adding three service aces as she dictated the pace of play all evening. The Pack's attack was balanced and relentless—Taylor Cary finished with a team-high 12 kills on a .478 hitting percentage, while Golden Finch was nearly automatic with eight kills on 11 swings for a .727 clip. Caelyn Gunn contributed eight kills and eight digs, while Finja Schul added another eight kills at a .400 mark to give CSU Pueblo four players with at least eight kills on the night.
Defensively, Megan Mattingly anchored the back row with 18 digs, frustrating the Cowgirls' hitters and keeping rallies alive that often turned into Pack points. CSU Pueblo held New Mexico Highlands (12-13, 4-7 RMAC) to just .208 hitting and forced 14 attack errors, rarely letting the home team find any offensive rhythm.
After a back-and-forth start in the opening set, the ThunderWolves caught fire midway through the frame. Back-to-back kills from Cary and Schul helped the Pack create separation as they took the first set 25-19. The second set was all CSU Pueblo, as Stankovic's serves kept Highlands off balance and Finch dominated at the net during a 25-15 win. The Pack then opened the third set with a commanding 11-3 lead, feeding off their defensive energy before sealing the sweep with a 25-14 victory.
With the win, CSU Pueblo not only solidified its spot among the RMAC's elite but also strengthened its case for NCAA postseason play. As the calendar turns toward the final week of the regular season, the ThunderWolves have positioned themselves perfectly — confident, balanced, and battle-tested — for the stretch run.
The Pack return home to Massari Arena on Tuesday night for Club Night, where they'll take on Adams State University in a key RMAC matchup.
