Colorado State University Athletics
Colorado State
New Mexico
Rams beat Lobos on road
11/6/2008 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Nov. 6, 2008
By Katy Johnstone
Athletic Media Relations
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- Just like the last time the Colorado State volleyball team faced the Lobos, the Rams battled to a hard-earned victory in four sets (21-25, 25-16, 25-21, 25- 19), posting a conference win Thursday night at New Mexico.
No. 13 Colorado State (20-2, 10-1 Mountain West) registered its 17th win over an 18-match stretch. The Rams have won the last eight meetings against the Lobos (18-6, 8-5).
"We had a good, balanced effort tonight," said CSU Head Coach Tom Hilbert. "We played with great composure."
Redshirt junior Tessa Nelson was a strong contributor to the Rams' victory with 12 kills. She also led the team with seven blocks. Sophomore Jacque Davisson had two service aces and 10 kills.
"I was very pleased with Jacque and Tessa," said Hilbert. "Tessa was consistent all the way through the match."
It was a tough first set with back-and-forth scoring and long rallies. The Rams fell to the Lobos 25-21. CSU was unable to contain senior outside hitter Jeanne Fairchild, who had five kills in the set, and 15 for the match.
The second set was a hard-earned triumph for the Rams, who won 25-16, and held Fairchild to one kill in the set. Senior All-American Mekana Barnes led the Rams with six kills in the set, and led the team with 19 kills for the match.
The Rams started the third set off in strong fashion, winning the first point of the set for the first time on the evening. But It was another back-and-forth nail biter, before the Rams increased their advantage to two games to one.
The Lobos didn't go away quietly and started the fourth set with a 4-0 lead. But the Rams answered, taking control to build a four-point lead, 13-9, before allowing the Lobos to come back in another tight set. CSU would put the match away by winning the final frame, 25-19.
The Rams will wrap up their road trip on Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas, against TCU. First serve is set for noon MT.
