Colorado State University Athletics
Colorado State
Pacific
Rams finish strong at Asics Classic
9/7/2008 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Sept. 7, 2008
By John Manuszak
Athletic Media Relations
CORVALLIS, Ore. - In the early going of Sunday afternoon's volleyball match against Pacific University, the Colorado State Rams certainly looked liked a team playing its second match in less than 24 hours.
Colorado State struggled in the opening set against Pacific but then responded by winning each of the final three sets to post a 3-1 (20-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-21) win.
The Rams (5-1, 0-0 MWC) were just 17 hours removed from playing perhaps their finest game of the season, a 3-0 sweep over host Oregon State and needed some time to get going against the Tigers.
The Rams seemed to be in serious trouble late in the second set as they trailed 22-20 and appeared headed for a 2-0 deficit, but CSU responded by winning five of the final six points to capture the second set, 25-23, which gave the Rams the momentum they needed to post three consecutive set wins.
In the win, four Rams posted 10 or more kills for the first time since Oct. 20 of last season. Against Pacific, the Rams were led by sophomore Jacque Davisson who posted a career day with 13 kills and 12 digs for her first career double-double. Jaime Strauss (11 kills and 10 digs) and Mekana Barnes (17 kills on .464 hitting) also capped their strong weekends with impressive performances. Redshirt freshman Katelyn Steffan also set a career high as she tallied 11 kills in the win.
After stealing the second set victory, the Rams and Tigers played about as even as possible in the third set. During the set, the two teams were tied 16 times while the teams changed leads on eight occasions. However, with the game tied at 16, the Rams took over. CSU scored nine of the final 11 points en route to a 25-18 set win.
The Tigers took control of the first set thanks to an 8-4 run that put them ahead 16-12. Back-to-back kills by Strauss and Tessa Nelson brought the Rams back into the set momentarily but three straight points by the Tigers put the set out of reach.
Colorado State finished the Asics Classic with a 2-1 record and will wait for the result from Sunday afternoon's match between Pepperdine and Oregon State to determine its finish in the tournament standings as well as any all-tournament honors.
The Rams return home from Corvallis, Ore., on Sunday evening and will get set to travel to Boulder, Colo., on Wednesday when the Rams take on in-state rival Colorado.
