Rapid City, S.D. – Ranger Volleyball closed out the RMAC road season with a win, prevailing in four over South Dakota Mines to advance to 24-3 on the season and 16-1 in conference play. The loss was a tough one for the Hardrockers, who wrapped the 2017 home campaign winless in the King Center – 3-22 overall with two matches remaining in the season.  

How It Happened: Despite SDSMT's meager record at home, the Hardrockers came out ready for battle. Regis had to work for every point, especially the final few. Mines led late in the frame, but the Rangers' offensive efficiency fared the visitors well down the stretch. On their way to a 26-24 win, RU hitters found open court and quieted the home fans. The Rangers ended the game with 18 kills – two more than the Hardrockers could muster.
 
It was an easier road for the Rangers in the second as the Regis squad dominated in the night's quickest set. The Mines offense committed as many errors as kills in the 25-15 performance, allowing Regis to cruise behind a .375 team attack clip. The Rangers put on a show, notching 14 kills with just two errors on balls cleverly placed by setter Silvia Basso.
 
Fortunately for the home team, adjustments made at the two-three break gave the Hardrockers all they'd need to stay alive in the match. Though RU was on fire in set two, they cooled in the third (.025), eventually falling 25-22 to move the match score to 2-1. SDSMT was feeling it – and looked to carry that momentum into set four.

Another win for the home team wouldn't happen. Back in business and firing on all cylinders, Regis thundered out of the gates and steamrolled the Mines's squad. A heavyweight assault from every point on the net more than doubled the effort of the Hardrockers and Regis cruised to 25-16 win to wrap the night. 
 
Match Notes: For the second-straight night, Nikki Kennedy and Kristen Hornung led the charge for for the rangers, combining for 27 kills from the middle and a pesky eight blocks that shut down SDSMT hitters. Libero Kristina Schell tallied a match-best 31 digs, while Basso totaled 52 assists and three blocks. 
 
Next Up For The Rangers: Just one match remains on the 2017 regular season schedule. The Rangers will take on Colorado Mesa Saturday at 7 pm before turning their focus to the RMAC tournament.