Colorado State University Athletics
Colorado State
Wyoming
No. 23 volleyball sweeps Wyoming
10/13/2007 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Oct. 13, 2007
LARAMIE, Wyo. - The Rams may have been playing inside but there was certainly a storm as No. 23 CSU took a 3-0 (30-27, 30-20, 30-28) victory from the Cowgirls in Laramie Saturday night.¬ Katelin Batten finished with 16 digs in a key defensive match for the Rams while Jaime Strauss returned to form with 14 kills and seven digs.
"I am really proud of the composure of this team," said Head Coach Tom Hilbert. "We served extremely well and our passing was on. I am really happy with the way we pulled together when things got close."
Wyoming was able to get out to a 4-1 lead early before the Rams responded to take the lead 11-9. The key was a balanced attack with every Ram hitter getting a kill through that stretch. Long rallies brought the game back to a tie at 14. Jaime Strauss nailed a ball to the left side breaking the tie and giving the Rams a one-point advantage. The Cowgirls were able to turn the tables using a pair of kills and a block for an 18-16 score. A hitting error by UW and a kill by Strauss brought the game back to even at 18. The teams traded points until the Rams took the lead on a Strauss tip from the left side and a UW hitting error to grab a two-point CSU lead and a Wyoming timeout. The Rams scored the final point of the game on a kill by Strauss to win 30-27.
Service errors cost both teams in Game 1. The Rams had four, while the Cowgirls missed five, which is unusual for the number one MWC serving team. Strauss led all players with five kills in the game. Tessa Nelson hit .600 with four kills. Batten had six digs in the first game. The Rams hit .256 while the Cowgirls hit .200. Tonya Mokelki had three well timed kills.
Game 2 started with Wyoming again taking the advantage early 3-0. The Rams stopped the run with a block by Ashley Fornstrom and Mekana Barnes. CSU then closed the gap and tied the score at six. Strauss continued to be key, with great service which allowed the Rams to take a one-point lead. The Rams blocking improved with three blocks in the first seven points as CSU took a 9-7 lead and forced the Cowgirl timeout. The Rams extended the lead to three with smart defensive play and targeted hitting. CSU kept the lead as the teams traded points. The Rams extended the advantage on a solo block by Danielle Minch and a team block by Mokelki and Fornstrom for the 23-17 score. Tough service by CSU gave the Rams a 10-point advantage 28-18. A service error by Wyoming and a kill straight down by Barnes gave CSU the 30-20 victory.
The Rams showed why they lead the league in blocks with eight in the second game. Barnes came alive in Game 2 with three kills and six blocks. Minch added four kills and four blocks, including the match's only solo block. CSU held the Cowgirls to -.024 hitting. Batten added seven digs.
The Rams opened Game 3 with back-to-back tips for kills by Strauss. Wyoming responded and took a 5-3 lead. Mokelki nipped that run in the bud with a strong kill from the right side. Wyoming held the one-point lead until a kill by Minch tied the score at 10. Strauss gave CSU the lead with a kill from the left side, 11-10. Wyoming retook the lead after a kill and a pair of hitting errors from the Rams, 13-11. The Rams crept back with strong defense at the net to get within one at 16-15. CSU took the lead on an ace that hit the net and rolled over, 21-20. The teams battled to a tie at 27. Wyoming took the lead on a kill from the left side forcing a CSU timeout. The Rams retied the match after a long rally and Barnes' kill forced match point. Jacque Davisson served a powerful jump serve which was misplayed by Wyoming for the ace and the 30-28 win. Colorado State has now swept nine opponents and is undefeated when winning the first game. CSU has now won 13 of the last 14 matches. Mokelki and Minch each finished with nine kills. CSU had 12 blocks nine of which Barnes was in on.
The Rams return to action Thursday night against BYU in the AVCA National Game of the Week on CSTV in Moby Arena. CSU will then host Utah Saturday at 7 p.m.
