Chadron, Neb.- The Metropolitan State University of Denver (4-6, 1-1 RMAC) volleyball team completed its first weekend of Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play with a 3-1 win over Chadron State (3-7, 0-2 RMAC).
 
MSU Denver got off to a strong start in the first set going up on the Eagles 5-0.  The Roadrunners capitalized on the Eagles mistakes to keep a strong lead and denying any attempt the Eagles made to climb back in the set. The closest MSU Denver would allow Chadron was within six points. Junior Santaisha Sturges (Parker, Colo./Regis Jesuit H.S.) led the Roadrunners attack in the set with five kills and a .500 first set attack percentage. Junior Taylor Duryea (Logan, Utah/Sky View High School) added four first set kills for MSU Denver as well.
 
MSU Denver started the second set with three straight kills one from Duryea to get the set going and two back to back from freshman Alexis Benda (Las Cruces, N.M./Orate H.S.).  But the Eagles would answer back tying the set up at four. They would go on to take their first set and match lead going up 9-8 on the Roadrunners.
 
An ace from Duryea tied the set up at 13.  Two eagle attack errors led to the Roadrunners taking a 15-13 lead to.  The Roadrunners kept a lead until the Eagles fought their way back tying the set up again at 20. The set was then knotted up at point 21 and 22 but the Eagle ran away with the remainder of the points, taking the set 25-22.
 
 
Although the score was close throughout the third set the Roadrunners held a steady control to never trail in the set.  The Roadrunners were able to break away scoring six straight points to take a 20-14 lead. They would go on to allow only one more point from the Eagles sides taking the third set 25-15. Senior Vasati Fiatoa (Las Vegas, Nev./Bonanza H.S.) come up big for MSU Denver posting four kills in the set. 
 
MSU Denver carried the energy into the fourth set to take an early 7-3 lead. Chadron was able to bring the score to within three points, but the Roadrunners once again went on a run to extend the lead to seven at 14-7 forcing an Eagles timeout.
 
The Roadrunners finished strong taking the fourth set and match at 25-16.  Sturges ended the night with a game high 14 kills. Duryea added 10 for the Roadrunners and Fiatoa posted 10.  Senior Jackie Lopez (Encino, Calif./Notre Dame H.S.) had 14 digs for the Roadrunners and Senior Alyssa Svalberg (Aurora, Colo./Grandview H.S.) had a game high 45 assists.
 
The Roadrunners will return home to host Adams State on Friday, September 22 to continue RMAC play.