DENVER – MSU Denver volleyball extended its winning streak to nine matches Friday night, battling back from a back-and-forth contest to defeat Fort Lewis in five sets at the Auraria Event Center. The Roadrunners earned the 3-2 victory by set scores of 21-25, 25-9, 21-25, 25-19 and 15-10.
Brooke Gennerman led the way offensively with a match-high 25 kills, marking her third match this season with at least 25 kills. Gennerman was especially efficient, hitting .396 with just four errors on 53 attempts. She also contributed 11 digs and an ace as MSU Denver improved to 17-6 overall and 10-1 in RMAC play.
The Roadrunners responded emphatically after dropping the opening set, dominating the second set 25-9. MSU Denver hit .346 in the frame, recording 12 kills with just three errors while holding Fort Lewis to three kills and a -.214 hitting percentage. GabriElle Brewer helped fuel the effort from the service line, delivering several of her seven aces on the night.
Fort Lewis regained the lead by taking the third set 25-21, but MSU Denver answered once again. The Roadrunners hit .370 in the fourth set, collecting 13 kills while limiting the Skyhawks to a .214 hitting percentage to force a decisive fifth set.
In the final frame, MSU Denver took control and closed out the 15-10 victory. The Roadrunners recorded eight kills against three errors in the fifth set, finishing the match with 58 kills and a .236 hitting percentage compared to Fort Lewis' 49 kills and .164 mark.
Brewer finished with a career-high seven service aces, the most by a Roadrunner this season, while also dishing out a team-high 30 assists and adding nine digs. Mayah Pridgett anchored the net with a career-best seven block assists and two solo blocks, giving her nine total blocks for the match. Hayden Liebsack added 12 kills and seven digs, while Kami Scott contributed nine kills.
MSU Denver also held the advantage in total blocks, 12-8, and service aces, 12-3. The Roadrunners finished with 62 digs, led by Gennerman's 11 and Mia Accomazzo's 17.
The Roadrunners will close out their regular-season home schedule Saturday, hosting Western Colorado at 4 p.m. at the Auraria Event Center. The match will also serve as Senior Day, as MSU Denver celebrates its seniors on Halloween.
