Golden, Colo.: The Ranger volleyball team had troubles last year when they played in five set matches and so far this year that trend is continuing.  After taking the first set the Rangers took #15 Southwest Minnesota St. to a fifth set but fell for the second time at the Oredigger Volleyball Classic.

The Rangers outhit the Mustangs (2-0) .206 to .024 in the first set on there way to a 21-25 victory.  The second set went to SMSU by a score of 28-26 before a pivotal third set was played.

Regis led 22-17 after sophomore Katie Hudencial put down a service ace.  Following an attack error, the Mustangs got the window they needed.  They scored the next seven points including three kills by Brooke Burmeister to stun the Rangers 25-22.

The Rangers responded by winning set four by a score of 25-19.  The fifth set was anti-climactic as they Mustangs jumped out to a 9-3 lead and held off the Rangers late to win going away 15-11.

Senior Jessica Howe had a great match collecting 20 kills with just two errors for a .474 attack percentage.  She helped the Rangers outhit the Mustangs .183 to .143.  Freshman Christy Henzgen had 13 kills in 64 swings, while seniors Kerry Grady and Erin Anderson chipped in with 12 and 11 kills respectively.

Freshman Sage Martinson had 30 digs for the Rangers, while sophomore Jordan Hughes collected 17.  Henzgen had a double-double adding 15 digs, while senior Devin Eckhardt had 14 digs and 48 assists.  Anderson led the Ranger defense with eight blocks.

The Rangers were hurt by nine receiving errors while putting down just three service aces.

Regis returns to action tomorrow as they take on Abilene Christian at noon.

Click here for boxscore.