Denver, Colorado - The Regis University volleyball team saw defeat for the first time in nearly a month as they fell to No. 23 Metro State 3-1.  The loss also snapped a six-match win streak to Metro State, last falling to the cross-town rival late in the 2011 season.

Regis (14-5, 9-2 RMAC) came out flat in the first set and fell behind early and never recovered in losing 25-13.  The Rangers hit -.049 in the first set compared to .409 for Metro State (16-3, 10-1 RMAC).  

"Metro State played great tonight, my hats off," states Head Coach Frank Lavrisha.  "We settled down after that first set and played them tough but they were the better team tonight.  We have to look forward to tomorrow and Colorado Mines."

The Rangers responded in set two and led for the first part of the set but fell behind 12-10.  RU scored five straight points including two straight from junior Caitie Breaux.  Breaux had a team-best 21 kills and tonight became the 21st player in Regis history to surpass 1,000 career kills and now stands at 1,011.  Metro State led 21-20 but the Rangers fought back and scored five of the final seven points and won 25-23.

The Rangers let one slip away in the third set after leading 24-23 and serving for game point following a kill by Breaux.  Metro State called timeout and proceeded to get a kill by Kylee Hoagland.  Breaux again responded with a kill of her own and the Rangers again had set point in their reach, but a kill by Abbie Noland knotted the score again at 26.  A kill by Noland gave MSUD the advantage and got Breaux to hit an error to complete the comeback 27-25.

The fourth set was close throughout as there were 10 ties but just one lead change.  Metro State led 23-20 but after Lavrisha called a timeout RU responded by utilizing three straight MSUD errors to tie the score at 23.  The Roadrunners scored the final two points to take the match 25-23.

RU hit just .102, their lowest of the season, but their defense stepped up following the first set and limited Metro State to just .170 hitting.  Breaux was followed by Mary Schroeder with 11 kills and Maggie Steward with eight.  

Rebecca Sponcil dished out 41 assists and was second on the team with 17 digs.  Maya Kirkeby led the Rangers in the latter with 21 digs, while Alessandra Orlandini had 14.  Breaux chipped in with 10.  Gina Morgan had one solo block and three other assists to lead the Ranger defense.

RU will have no time to rest as they host No. 10 Colorado Mines tomorrow at 5 p.m.