RAPID CITY, SD – The Regis University Volleyball team, receiving votes in the most recent AVCA NCAA DII Women's Volleyball Top 25 Coaches Poll, opened RMAC Conference play on Friday evening, but fell on the road to South Dakota Mines, 3-0 (22-25, 13-25, 22-25).

The Rangers Fall to 2-7(0-1 RMAC), while the Hardrockers improve to 5-4 (1-0 RMAC).

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Hardrockers came out string in the first, taking five of the first six points. Lindsey Cure ended the hot start with a kill and solo block, then had a block assisted by Braziah Dixon followed by a Bre Skala kill to bring the score to 11-12. Dixon then aced a serve, as did Giselle Cazares to put RU up, 17-16. However, SDM put together a late run that would give them the 25-22 vomitory.

Amelia Davis had three early points for Regis in the second, but South Dakota Mines still built a 10-4 lead. Halle Thies began to chip away at it with a kill and Dixon-assisted block, but it would not be enough, as the Hardrockers ran away with the second, winning 25-13.

The third started much closer, as Cure and Theis paced the ranger offense that traded leads with SDM five times. The Hardrockers scored five straight to take a lead that, despite two kills from Theis and Theis, RU would be unable to come back from. Dixon and Brynn McNair had late kills but Regis fell 22-25.

"I want to give all the credit to South Dakota Mines tonight," said Head Coach Joel List. "I thought they came out fearless and played with a lot of confidence and poise. We struggled from the beginning to execute our game plan and we could never get into rhythm. We had chances in the first set but we couldn't capitalize. We will have to put this one behind us and move our mindset into tomorrow night's match."

GAME NOTES

·        Davis led the Rangers with eight kills

·        Dixon posted a match-high five blocks

·        Reagan Hickey dished 21 assists

·        Skala had eight digs for RU

·        Two Hardrockers had double digit kills

UP NEXT

The Rangers return to action on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Black Hills state University (SD) starting at 11 am.