Grand Junction, Colo. - The Metropolitan State University of Denver volleyball team (21-3, 16-0  RMAC) defeated Colorado Mesa (18-5, 12-3 RMAC) on Friday, November 4.
 
In a match with big RMAC implications, the Roadrunners jumped out to a win in the first set against the home Mavericks 25-22.
 
However, Colorado Mesa showed why they are just two games back of MSU Denver in the standings, coming out of the gates hot in the second set with an early 16-7 lead.  The Roadrunners attempted to fight back but Mesa held on to tie the match 1-1 with the 25-19 set win.
 
MSU Denver would yet again take the advantage winning the third set 25-16. Through three sets, senior Brandi Torr (Albuquerque, N.M./La Cueva H.S.) had recorded 35 assists and seven digs. Sophomore Santaisha Sturges (Parker, Colo./Regis Jesuit H.S.) led the Roadrunners with 12 kills and junior Ryan Hoerdemann (Littleton, Colo./Arapahoe H.S.) was right behind her with 11 kills & 10 digs of her own.
 
The Roadrunners sealed the deal for their 16^th straight win in the fourth set with a 25-21 win. After a slow start, senior Michaela Smith (Littleton, Colo./Regis Jesuit H.S.) exploded in the set to finish the match with 15 kills and nine digs; she also added in two service aces. Junior Jackie Lopez (Encino, Calif./Notre Dame H.S.) helped out in the win on the defensive side with 28 digs.
 
The Roadrunners will play their final RMAC road game of the season on Saturday, November 5 at Western State before concluding their regular season with a home match against the Mavericks on Tuesday, November 8 at 7 p.m.