(Brock Voth, CSC Sports Information)
The Chadron State College volleyball team fell in four sets to open Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play on Friday against Adams State University. The Eagles lost 19-25, 21-25, 25-19, 19-25 at the Chicoine Center. CSC’s record went to 2-7 (0-1 RMAC) to open up the young season, while Adams State fell to 4-6 overall, and 1-1 in the RMAC.
The Grizzlies had 20 more kills than the Eagles, led by sophomore outside hitter Cindy Garcia with 16.
Mayson Fago led the Eagles with 10 total kills.
The Eagles struggled to get going in the first set with a .194 hitting percentage. Meanwhile ASU hit .306 to hold the edge.
CSC was able to progress a little in the second set led by Bella Adams who had a hitting percentage of .438. The Grizzlies also struggled with three service errors, while the Eagles only tallied one.
The momentum the Eagles got in the second set propelled them to third set victory. The Eagles tallied 13 total kills and were able to push the Grizzlies to nine attacking errors.
The Eagles’ momentum was depleted when the Grizzlies went on an 8-3 run halfway through the fourth set. ASU tallied a total of 18 kills as a team in that segment of play, which was its best in a single frame, on the night.
ASU’s Garcia was instrumental for her team on both sides of the net.. Not only did she lead all players with 16 kills, but she hit a team-high .355, and was second on her team with 10 digs on defense.
CSC had a solid defense with 10 total blocks in four sets, compared to the opponents’ three. Bella Adams was the biggest factor with eight block assists.
“We got better today,” said CSC Head Volleyball Coach Jennifer Stadler. “We played more aggressively, and we did some nice things on offense. We need to clean up our serve receive a little bit and finish those long rallies.”
The Eagles will host New Mexico Highlands on Saturday, September 10, at 6 p.m. at the Chicoine Center. The Cowgirls lost 3-1 at home to Fort Lewis on Friday, and they come to Chadron at 3-6 overall (0-1 RMAC).