Denver, Colo. – Tuesday night's RMAC Tournament match went the way of the Rangers, with Regis sweeping Black Hills State at home to advance to the final four of the league's post-season battle. The first-round victory moved the Rangers to 26-3 on the year, while BHSU wrapped their season at 11-17.

How It Happened: Though the night ended after three sets, the Yellow Jackets did not make things easy on the eleventh-ranked Regis squad. Seeded eighth and on the road, Black Hills had everything on the line and played that way. Using a scrappy no-quit defense, the Jackets battled every step of the way – but couldn't overpower a seasoned and efficient RU team. Patience prevailed in each set's final moments, with Regis finding separation just when they needed it.
 
In front of a Field House packed with energetic fans, the match opened with a blow-for-blow showing that featured a balanced competition. The squads matched efforts in nearly every category – with the lone exception coming at the service line. It was there that the Yellow Jackets gave RU four easy points, missing four critical serves in a 25-22 decision.
 
Though they'd won the first, there was much progress to be made for a Ranger squad that hit negative to open the match. Fortunately, the home team cleaned things up significantly in the second, doubling their kill-effort (16) and bettering their efficiency with a .278 kill percentage. Kelsey Green led the way in the set, tallying five kills on seven tries. Though big BHSU blocks made a dent in the Regis attack, the Rangers would not be stopped. Silvia Basso found hot hands, spreading the ball well and giving RU every opportunity to put the Yellow Jackets away. Regis won set 25-23.
 
As in the first two games, the finale featured another back-and-forth battle. BHSU fed off momentum and a pesky defense to stay in the match, pushing Regis each time the Rangers pulled ahead. A 16-16 tie changed quickly as RU piled on three straight, but a pair of Regis attack errors allowed the visitors back into the game. Still, a resolute Ranger squad stood strong, withstanding every Jacket attack and using a pair of kills from the pin to earn the win.
 
Match Notes: Green and RMAC Freshman of the Year Caitlyn Burroway led the Ranger offense, each notching 11 timely – and high-powered – kills at the net. Green's effort amounted to an impressive .476 after the sophomore outside committed just one miscue on 21 tries. Basso ended the night with 37 assists, helping Regis hitters amass 40 kills compared to 34 from BHSU. Nikki Kennedy – the RMAC's Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year – totaled four blocks,
 
Next Up For The Rangers: The RMAC's fourth-seeded Colorado Christian Cougars beat CU Colorado Springs Tuesday, and will travel to Regis Friday to take on the top-ranked Rangers. Regis beat CCU in three when the two squads last met, and is 2-0 against the Cougars this season. The semi-final match is slated for 7 pm at the Regis Field House.