DENVER — No. 9 MSU Denver delivered one of its grittiest postseason performances of the season on Thursday night, storming back from a 10-point deficit in the opening set to defeat Colorado Mesa and advance to the NCAA South Central Regional semifinal. The Roadrunners' 3–0 sweep (26-24, 25-17, 25-19) marks their 18th consecutive victory and pushes them into Friday's semifinal at 7 p.m. against West Texas A&M or CSU Pueblo.
What looked like a rocky start quickly transformed into one of the defining moments of MSU Denver's postseason poise. Trailing 17–7 in the first set, the Roadrunners pieced together a stunning rally — sparked by tough serving, back-row defense, and timely swings from their veteran leaders — to steal the frame 26–24. From that moment forward, the momentum never left the home crowd at the Auraria Event Center.
Annika Helf anchored the comeback and the match as a whole, finishing with 13 kills and 12 digs with an impressive .480 hit percentage to secure her 16th double-double of the season. Her late-set kills in the first and second frames repeatedly halted Mesa runs and helped MSU Denver maintain control.
RMAC Defensive Player of the Year Alyssa Boyte was a force at the net, contributing 9 kills and 4 blocks on a .533 hit percentage as the Roadrunners held Mesa to long scoring droughts in the final two sets. Boyte's presence shifted the tone defensively, especially in the third set when her block touch helped MSU Denver go on a 6–1 run.
Setter Karyna Werley was everywhere. She posted 8 kills, 19 assists, and 10 digs, finishing just two kills shy of what would have been her fourth triple-double of the season.
The win continues two remarkable program trends:
• MSU Denver has now beaten Colorado Mesa three times since late September — taking all nine sets.
• Jenny Glenn collected her 12th career NCAA Tournament victory, continuing her run of postseason mastery in her 10th season at the helm.
With an 18-match win streak still intact and a home crowd behind them, the Roadrunners now turn quickly toward Friday night — where a spot in the regional championship will be on the line.
MSU Denver plays Friday at 7 p.m. in the South Central Regional semifinal.
