BIG RAPIDS, Mich. - Metropolitan State University of Denver opened the 2015 season with a pair of losses on Friday at the Ferris State Invitational in Big Rapids, Michigan. The Roadrunners fell 3-1 (25-20, 19-25, 25-21, 25-19) to Wisconsin-Parkside and 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-18) to McKendree (Ill.).
Against the Rangers,
Michaela Smith (Littleton, Colo./Regis Jesuit H.S.) led the way offensively with 16 kills.
Vasati Fiatoa (Las Vegas, Nev./Bonanza H.S.) chipped in with 12 and also hit .458 (12-1-24) and added three blocks.
Kylie Haun (Simpsonville, S.C./Hillcrest H.S.) had 13 digs to pace the defense.
UW-Parkside took control of the match in the service game, finishing with nine aces. The Rangers also held MSU Denver to a .181 hitting percentage.
Serve-receive was much better against McKendree, but the offense lagged behind again as MSU Denver had just a .147 hitting percentage.
Summer Greager (Colorado Springs, Colo./Colorado Springs Christian H.S.) had a team-high 10 kills and added six digs. Fiatoa was strong again offensively, hitting .235 and totaling six kills. Haun and setter
Brandi Torr (Albuquerque, N.M./La Cueva H.S.) led the defense with 10 digs each.
The Roadrunners will face California (Pa.) and No. 18 Ferris State (Mich.) on Saturday on the final day of the tournament.
