GOLDEN, Colo. – The Regis University volleyball was put to the test in the opening two matches of the season. Competing locally at the Oredigger Classic, Regis came from behind to capture the five-set thriller against Western New Mexico in the first match. In the second match, RU swept the No. 10 Augustana University Vikings to start the 2017 season off on the right foot.
 
 
How It Happened | Match 1: The Rangers passed their first test of the season defeating the Mustangs 3-2 in the opening match. RU fell behind early in the second but battled back to eventually take their first lead at 17-16. Four-straight Regis points gave them a 23-21 lead but the Mustangs responded with four of their own to even the match at one a piece.
 
The third set began like that of the second with an early Western New Mexico lead that the Rangers could never overcome. After falling behind 2-1, Regis came alive taking the fourth set 25-16 and the final set 15-10 to capture their first win.
 
In her first match as a Ranger, Nikki Kennedy's impact was immediately felt. The sophomore-transfer put down 16 kills on 27 attempts to produce a .519 attack percentage. Not only was her presence felt on the offensive side but at the net as well. Kennedy had six blocks, two of which were solo, to tilt the block column in favor of RU 11-7.
 
Freshman Caitlyn Burroway, also debuting as a Ranger, along with Kelsey Green put up double-double numbers. Burroway tallying 14 kills and a team-leading 19 digs and Kelsey Green with 13 kills and 11 digs. Green also added three service aces. Caitlyn Martinez rounded out double-digit kill numbers with 10 of her own.
 
Match Notes: RU was much more efficient offensively totaling a .220 attack percentage compared to .092 for Western New Mexico. Silvia Basso set a new career-high in assists with 51. Kristina Schell and Drew Rhamy chipped in on the defensive side with 18 and 10 digs, respectively. The Rangers controlled offensive output tallying 63 kills to the Mustangs 48. Six players in total recorded at least one block led by Kennedy with six and Kristen Hornung with five.
 
How It Happened | Match 2: The Rangers absolutely dominated the 10^th-ranked Vikings holding them to just a .069 attack percentage. Regis jumped ahead early in the first 8-2 but Augustana strung together a couple different four-point rallies to take a 15-13 lead.
 
RU responded with five-straight to take the first set 25-19 and continued the momentum into the second. The Rangers forced more errors than kills in the second set winning 25-16.
 
Similar to the first two sets, Regis controlled a 14-6 lead as the Vikings attempted to battle from behind. Back-to-back kills by Burroway gave the Rangers the 25-21 third set victory and seep.
 
Match Notes: Green had herself another double-double match leading the team with 14 kills and 10 digs. She also added two service aces, a block and a .316 attack percentage. Burroway led the charge defensively with 15 digs and two blocks. The Rangers dominated in the kills column 41-33 while also committing just 14 attack errors in 119 attempts (.227).
 
Next Up For The Rangers: The team will be back in action at the Oredigger Classic Saturday, September 2 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. RU will first face Eastern New Mexico and then close out the tournament against in-region opponent Texas Woman's.