GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. –  Regis University (6-6, 3-1 RMAC) lost a thrilling match to Colorado Mesa University (6-7, 4-1 RMAC) in five sets Saturday night.

In the first set, Regis got off to a slow start as CMU took an early 8-2 lead. Once the ladies were able to settle in, they got things rolling offensively and defensively. Redshirt junior Katie Klein, reigning RMAC offensive player of the week, continued her dominant play posting five kills on the way to a 25-17 opening set win for RU.

With RU up 1-0 after the first set, CMU once again jumped out to a big lead. The Rangers sparked a comeback behind a monster kill from junior Rachel McCue, followed by a service ace from freshmen Kristina Schell. Regis rattled off four consecutive points forcing a Mavericks timeout of their own leading 14-17. Colorado Mesa fired right back with a rally of their own and would go on to take set two by a score of 25-18.

After two sets the match was deadlocked at one apiece. Set three saw RU jump out to a 9-4 lead as freshman Brinley Beresford and junior Cedar Bellows teamed up for a mammoth block on Colorado Mesa. The Mavericks fought back to take the lead 15-14 on a kill by Audrey Steinkirchner. From that point in the match CMU wouldn't look back as they took set three 25-17.

With their backs against the wall, trailing 2-1, the Rangers came out with something to prove. A kill from Klein gave RU an 8-6 lead as they looked to even the set count. Both teams traded kills, errors, and blocks until Regis and Colorado Mesa found themselves tied at 24. Two Maverick errors gave the Rangers set four, 26-24, heading into the deciding fifth set.

The final set of the night was all Colorado Mesa. With home court playing the advantage to the Mavericks it was tough for Regis to get anything started. A service ace gave CMU the 15-7 victory and brought the night to an end for RU.

Katie Klein led the Rangers with 12 kills, followed closely by Rachel McCue with 11. Brinley Beresford notched a double-double with 33 assists and 12 digs to go along with three kills. Senior libero Rebecca Sponcil amassed 18 digs in the match giving her 179 on the season.

The Volleyball team will return home for a three match home stand. The first match will be played on September 30 against Metro State-Denver at 7:00 p.m. The Rangers will host Western State on Friday October 2 at 7:00 p.m. and will wrap up their stay at home on Saturday October 4 as they take on CSU-Pueblo at 5:00 p.m.