Denver, Colo.: The Regis University volleyball team was locked in a five-set battle with RMAC foe Colorado Mesa at the Colorado Premier Challenge.  The Rangers were victorious in a match that took nearly 2 1/2 hours winning the fifth set, 24-22.

The Rangers (4-2) looked like the might take it in three as they won the first two sets 25-22 and 25-23.  Colorado Mesa (5-1) didn't go quietly as they took the next two sets by scores of 25-22 and 25-23 before the fifth set.

Colorado Mesa had the first chance to win the match after a Audrey Steinkirchner kill.  The Rangers responded when Samantha Mangseth and Maggie Steward had back-to-back kills to take a 15-14 lead.  

An attack error by the Rangers' Mary Schroeder gave CMU a 22-21 lead.  Steward came back with yet another kill, her 18th of the game, before an attack error from the Mavericks sent the crowd into a frenzy.

The Rangers had four players in double figure kills led by Caitie Breaux and Schroeder's 19 kills apiece.  Gina Morgan was also in double figures with 10 and led the Rangers with a .320 attack percentage.  

Rebecca Sponcil had an outstanding game as the table setter for the Ranger offense.  She dished out 58 assists and was also instrumental, especially late, in the Ranger defense slowing down the Maverick offense.  She led the Rangers with 25 digs and was joined by Maya Kirkeby with the same amount.  Alessandra Orlandini came off the bench for a career-high 21 digs.

Breaux was next with 18 digs and had three blocks.  Mangseth led the Ranger defense at the net with six total blocks, while Morgan and Schroeder each collected four blocks.

The Rangers first game of the day pitted RU against No. 3 Minnesota Duluth.  The Bulldogs were too much for the Rangers as they took the match by scores of 25-18, 25-18 and 25-15.  Schroeder led the team with nine kills, while Morgan and Breaux were next with eight and seven respectively.

The Rangers will play tomorrow against No. 10 Southwest Minnesota State at 2:30 p.m. at the Regis Fieldhouse.