DENVER — No. 10 MSU Denver Roadrunners delivered its most complete postseason performance of the year, sweeping Angelo State 25-17, 25-20, 25-22 to win the South Central Regional Championship and advance to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight for the first time in program history.
The Roadrunners improve to 29-3 overall, punch their ticket to Sioux Falls for Thursday's national quarterfinal, and claim their 20th straight victory, the program's longest streak since 24 consecutive wins in 2022. The win also marks MSU Denver's 17th home victory of the season, tying the school record set in 2022.
After four consecutive regional final losses — including last season's defeat at Angelo State — MSU Denver's fifth straight trip to the championship match finally ended with the moment the program had been chasing. And it came with an exclamation point.
From the opening serve, the Roadrunners controlled the net with a suffocating defensive effort, overwhelming the Rambelles with a season-tying 26 block assists. All six MSU Denver hitters finished with at least eight kills, showcasing the team's trademark offensive depth.
The Roadrunners' block was the story of the night — and it wasn't just effective, it was historic. Three players set career highs in block assists:
Those three anchored a front line that disrupted nearly every Angelo State attack, holding the Rambelles to just .081 hitting on the night.
While the block stole the spotlight, MSU Denver's offense was every bit as sharp.
As a group, MSU Denver hit .276, including an explosive .333 showing in the third set to slam the door.
MSU Denver's control was evident early. Roadrunners unleashed a 14–4 run in the first set powered by their block and scored nine points at the net in the frame alone. They closed the set on a 7–3 spurt to win 25–17.
Set two was tighter, but every time Angelo State surged, MSU Denver answered with a defensive stand. A 5–0 run midway through the set — featuring blocks from Helf, Moerman, and Werley — created the separation needed for a 25–20 win.
The third set was the only frame featuring extended lead changes, but the Roadrunners' balance proved too much. Helf delivered clutch kills down the stretch, and Werley and Moerman combined for three final block assists as MSU Denver sealed the sweep 25–22.
With the regional trophy finally in hand, MSU Denver heads to South Dakota for its first-ever Elite Eight appearance.
The Roadrunners will compete in the national quarterfinals on Thursday in Sioux Falls, seeking to continue a record-breaking postseason run. They will find out their seeding on Monday afternoon.
All-Tournament Team
1. Angelo State – DEMI CARTER
2. Angelo State – MADI PARRISH
3. Angelo State – GABI ASHCRAFT
4. MSU Denver - ALYSSA BOYTE
5. MSU Denver - ANNIKA HELF
6. MSU Denver - KAYNA WERLEY
7. MSU Denver – KRYSSA MOERMAN
8. Colorado School of Mines – AMANDA DONAIS DUDLEY
9. Colorado School of Mines – HAILEE MARTINEZ
10. West Texas A&M– EMMA BECKER
11. West Texas A&M – CURRIE MARUSAK
12. West Texas A&M - TAYTUM STOW
