DENVER, Colo- The Regis University Volleyball team defeated the Western Mountaineers in their RMAC home opener, 3-2 (25-19, 15-25, 18-25, 25-16,15-12). The Rangers improve to 1-10 (1-2 RMAC) on the season while the Mountaineers fall to 1-10 (0-3 RMAC).
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
The Rangers would start hot with kills from Isabella Smith, Sabrina Landman, and Jacie Kaniho, taking the lead 7-1. The Mountaineers started finding momentum tying the match 15-15. Landman sparked the rally for Regis with a kill, followed by an ace from Smith. RU closed strong, scoring the final four points, capped off with an ace from Kaniho to take the set 25-19.
 
Early kills from Smith and Braiziah Dixon helped the Regis offense in the second, but Western took the lead 8-5. Still trailing, Bailey Nichols would score on an ace and a kill from Sandman. However, Western maintained control and pulled away late to even the match with a 25-15 win.
 
The third set opened with a block from Landman and Dixon that tied things at 5-5. The teams traded points, highlighted by a kill from Brooke Sanford, before Western used a four-point surge to extend its lead. The Mountaineers carried that momentum, claiming the third set 25-18.
 
The Rangers capitalized on the Mountaineers' errors, and Landman would continue with a kill, leading 5-3. RU continued to stay on top, with kills from Dixon and Alayna Pruitt, 14-10. Regis would go on a dominating six-point run, sending it to a fifth, 25-16.
 
The Mountaineers started the fifth ahead 5-2. Back-to-back kills from Sandman changed the momentum, and Smith would tie the game 9-9. After a four-point run from RU, Dixon sealed the deal. Rangers win 15-12.
 
GAME NOTES
 
Smith led RU with 18 kills, followed by Dixon and Sandman with 10.
 
Dixon totaled five blocks.
 
Nichols dished 45 assists.
 
Krissy Brei led with 14 digs.
 
Both teams hit a .168 hitting percentage.

UP NEXT
 
The Rangers continue at home tomorrow (9/26) afternoon at 3pm against RMAC opponent Fort Lewis College.
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