Canyon, Texas: The Regis University volleyball team advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the second year in a row over cross-town rival Metro State in five sets. 

Regis (18-12) took the first set 25-16 limiting the Metro State (20-11) to a .000 attack percentage.  Just like last year's first round matchup between the same two teams, the Rangers did not think it would be quite that easy.  The Roadrunners responded and took set two 25-22.

"Metro State played well tonight and we knew we had our work cut out for us," says RU Head Coach Frank Lavrisha.  "We hadn't played in over two weeks and Metro was fresh off the RMAC Tournament Championship, so we knew it would be a battle."

Regis, who has now won six in a row in the rivalry, took set three 25-21.  Neither team was on offensively with Regis hitting at a .000 percentage and Metro even worse at -.071.  With their season on the line, the Roadrunners came out and put Regis away with no doubt 25-18.

The fifth set was a tight one throughout with Regis trailing 6-5, but went on a 3-0 run to go ahead 8-6 before the side change.  Katie Klein, who led the Rangers with 16 kills, continued the run with the service and helped Regis reel off five straight points to take a 10-5 lead.  The Rangers were able to hold off Metro State for the 15-11 victory.

Klein's 16 kills were followed by Caitie Breaux's 12.  Maggie Steward put down nine kills and dug out 16 balls.  Gina Morgan also had nine kills to go along with seven blocks, two of them being solo.  

Sage Martinson led the defense with 18 digs, while Jaclyn Williamson had yet another double-double with 47 assists and 12 digs.  Rebecca Sponcil came off the bench to supply 10 digs.

There were 26 lead changes in the match, including 14 in the second.  Regis hit .173 for the match compared to .122 for Metro State.  Metro State led the match with 14 blocks to nine for Regis.

Regis will play tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. (CT) against the winner of #1 West Texas A&M and #8 Dallas Baptist for the right to go the regional final.