GOLDEN, Colo. – The No. 4 ranked MSU Denver volleyball team opened Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play in dramatic fashion Friday night, grinding out a five-set victory over Colorado School of Mines, 3-2 (25-19, 25-9, 20-25, 17-25, 15-12) at Lockridge Arena.

With the win, the Roadrunners improved to 8-1 overall and 1-0 in RMAC play, extending their winning streak to four matches.

Senior standout Annika Helf powered the attack with a match-high 19 kills to go with 18 digs and 21 total points. Karyna Werley was equally efficient, slamming 11 kills on a team-leading .500 hitting percentage and adding seven digs and six block assists. Werley's six blocking assists marks a new career-high for the freshman.

Brooke Gennerman added nine kills and three block assists, while Kryssa Moerman chipped in seven kills and six blocks. 

Setter GabriElle Brewer directed the offense with 25 assists and a team-high nine digs, while Mia Accomazzo anchored the defense with 22 digs.

After cruising through the first two sets, the Roadrunners had to withstand a determined Mines comeback. The Orediggers claimed sets three and four before MSU Denver steadied itself in the decisive fifth, hitting .200 and pulling away late for the 15-12 clincher. Helf provided two crucial kills for the Roadrunners in the closing minutes.

The Roadrunners will now prepare for another tough test, heading west to face Colorado Mesa on the road next Friday at 6 p.m.