Rangers finish Crossover Tourney spotless 3-0

by David Mejia

Box Score

ALAMOSA, Colo. – The Regis University volleyball team concluded the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Crossover tournament without a blemish, as the Rangers swept all three matches here this weekend. Regis topped off a stellar tournament by turning back host Adams State in three games (30-24, 30-23, 30-25) and improved its overall record to 6-6 in the process.

The Rangers, who are now 3-0 in conference play, dropped only one game during the two-day tourney. That came at the hands of Western State on Saturday afternoon.

Rachel Ross led Regis with 18 kills, while teammates Chelsea Pavlik and Liz Franz were credited with 14 and 10, respectively. Rangers setter Felicia Ciarellil had 46 assists in the contest, while Pavlik had 16 digs and Nia Ingram had 11.

Regis broke open a tight first game, maintaining a five-point lead much of the way. The Rangers managed to survive furious rallies by the Grizzlies with second and third efforts. The Rangers also overcame several attack and service errors that nearly allowed the Grizzlies to narrow the gap late in the game.

Adams State’s Tagen Bierley (Colorado Springs, Colo.), who set a school record for assists with 71 on Friday night against Colorado Mines, was credited with 28 against Regis. Tiffany Stockebrand (Alamosa, Colo.) led the Grizzlies with 10 kills, while Janie Elkins (Berthoud, Colo.) had seven and Darcy Jennings (Lakin, Kan.) and Brittany Muchmore (Peoria, Ariz.) had six each.

The second game was a nip-and-tuck affair the entire way, as neither team was able to surge ahead by more than three points. The Rangers did outscore the Grizzlies 6-1 in the final minutes of the game as Ross and Franz combined for five kills.

The third game was basically a reflection of the previous two, as Regis bolted ahead early, only to see Adams State rally and close the gap to 25-27 in the waning moments. In the end, the Grizzlies weren’t able to solve the attacking Rangers.

Adams State is now 2-10 overall and 1-2 in RMAC play. The Grizzlies will now head back on the road to face Western New Mexico on Friday in Silver City, N.M. ASC will also play at New Mexico Highlands on Saturday. Those matches open RMAC West Division action for the Grizzlies.