Denver, Colo. – After a stinging five-set loss at Metro State on Tuesday, Regis Volleyball sprinted into a Friday night match against Colorado State Pueblo hungry for a return to their winning ways. Once the match started the Rangers didn't have to wait long – a statement three-set win at home redeemed the RU squad and advanced them to 19-3 on the season and 11-1 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play. The loss dropped the Thunderwolves to 4-16 on the year – 3-8 in league action.
 
How It Happened:  By first appearance it seemed the contest would be an evenly-matched one, as the squads traded quick points in an opening set void of rallies. By the time the score sat notched at 21-21, Pueblo had their sights set on an upset and Regis was anxious to get into the kind of offensive groove they've grown accustomed to. Fortunately, Nikki Kennedy was just getting warmed up, as the sophomore middle exploded for a pair of monster kills and a statement-setting block that got the home team to the finish line first. The Rangers took the opener 25-23.
 
It was a different story in the second, as Regis found separation early and flexed a dominant offensive attack that seemed to rattle the visiting Thunderwolves for the rest of the match. Having their way at the net, RU hitters flashed a clean – and lethal – assault that amounted to 17 team kills with only five errors. Ranger setter Sylvia Basso made CSUP defenders dizzy with a quick distribution that had four Regis hitters getting double-digit looks. Unable to answer, the Thunderwolves were turned away with a 25-14 decision.
 
Firmly in control in the final frame, Regis cruised through each phase of the set unchallenged. The result was a blazing .550 team attack clip that included just one error by an RU hitter. The Rangers wrapped the night on top, back in the win column with a 25-15 final set score.   
 
Match Notes: It was an impressive night for the Rangers in every way, as the home squad boasted six service aces, 18 team blocks, 46 kills and a .429 kill percentage. Outside Caitlyn Burroway went .350 at the net (10 kills), while Kennedy dominated the entirety of the night with 12 kills and no errors on 14 attempts. Kennedy also led the night with six blocks.
 
CSU Pueblo didn't manage a single block on the night, and hit just .172 on 87 tries.
 
Next Up For The Rangers: Another home match awaits the Rangers on Saturday – Regis will return to the Fieldhouse for a 5 pm match-up against a (5-10 (2-8)) New Mexico Highlands team.