Denver, Colo.: The 21st-ranked RU volleyball squad had their hands full today with matchups against #9 West Texas A&M and top-ranked Tampa.  

Regis, now 4-3 overall, lost the first two sets to defending NCAA South Central Region champs West Texas A&M but with the score tied at 16 in the third set the Rangers ran off five straight points to take a 21-16 lead and win 25-19.

Just when it looked like WTAMU (4-2) was going to finish off the Rangers, the home team found another gear and scored six straight to take a 20-19 lead and then scored the final two points following a 23-23 tie to force a fifth set.

The Rangers trailed again early, but three kills by Katie Klein, three straight attack errors by West Texas and a service ace by Maya Kirkeby, the Rangers found themselves ahead 11-6 and sided-out to win 15-11.

Klein and Caitie Breaux each put down 16 kills, with Gina Morgan putting down nine kills.  Sage Martinson just missed a double-double with eight kills and nine digs.  Jaclyn Williamson assisted on 37 kills and had 10 digs.  Morgan had a hand in four blocks as did Diamond Ridley-Pierce off the bench.

Kirkeby again was solid in the back row with 20 digs, while Alessandra Orlandini came up with nine.

Tampa

The Rangers lost the first two sets to #1 Tampa by scores of 25-19 and 25-21.  Regis was able to battle their way to a 27-25 win in set three to force a fourth set.  RU put some more fear into TU in set four.  The taller Spartans trailed Regis at 15-14 before scoring four in a row to lead 18-15.  Tampa was able to hold off the Rangers and won 25-18.

Tampa had 10 blocks to just two for Regis while hitting .246 compared to .159 for Regis.  Breaux again led the way offensively with 15 kills, while Klein put down 13.  Martinson chipped in with seven kills while Morgan and Lauren Flanagan, who came off the bench, each collected six kills.  Flanagan led the way with a .400 attack percentage.

Williamson dished out 41 assists and led the Rangers with 12 digs.  Kirkeby tied Williamson with 12 digs defensively.

Regis will head to Metro on Saturday morning and with their 1-1 record will compete in the silver bracket and will take on West Florida at 9:30 a.m. at the Auraria Events Center.