DENVER, Colo. – A slow start but strong finish for the Regis University volleyball in the 3-1 defeat of the Chadron State Eagles in this mid-week Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference match. Regis remains in second position, although atop the Rocky Division, within the RMAC behind undefeated Western New Mexico.

The Eagles (4-13, 3-6 RMAC) gave the Rangers a run for their money throughout the first set. The score tied five different times and for the last time at 14-14 when Chadron State began pulling away. RU battled but could not alter the offensive momentum of the Eagles dropping the first set 25-21.

Regis made quick work of the second set jumping out to a 10-4 lead. Kristina Schell was on service for five straight points and tallied one of her two service aces during that span. The Rangers stayed consistent throughout equalizing the match 1-1 with a dominating 25-11 second set victory.

After the break at the start of the third set, both teams battled for position. The Eagles would tie the score 4-4 but that would be the last time RU allowed CSC to remain in striking distance. A strong offensive push kicked off by Maggie Steward gave the Rangers a sizeable 18-10 lead before Chadron State would respond. The Eagles slowly began closing the gap on the lead bringing the score to 23-20 but kills from Katie Klein and Rachael McCue ended the third set 25-20.

In the fourth set, the Rangers never gave CSC a glimpse of hope jumping to a booming 8-1 lead. Steward continued producing her most impressive night this season putting down kill after kill leading the Rangers to a 25-19 fourth set win. Regis moves to an overall record of 11-7 and 8-1 in the RMAC.

Steward recorded a double-double, her second of the season tallying a match-high 19 kills for a .395 attack percentage; 19 kills marks her most this season. Also, the outside hitter committed just two errors in 43 total attempts and chipped in with 14 digs. Assisting in the attack was Klein with 15 kills and a .351 attack percentage.

Overall, Regis defense held the Eagles to a .103 attack percentage while producing a .308 percentage of their own and dominating the kill column 61-40. Rebecca Sponcil led the match with 21 digs and chipped in with one service ace. Cedar Bellows added four blocks at the net, two solo and two assist.

The Rangers remain home for matches against Colorado Christian on Friday, October 16 and No. 21 Colorado Mines on Saturday, October 17. First serves are set for 7 p.m. and 5 p.m.