DENVER – No. 19 MSU Denver volleyball closed out a dramatic sweep Saturday evening, rallying from a six-point deficit late in the third set to defeat Westminster 3-0 (25-17, 25-13, 26-24) at the Auraria Event Center.
The Roadrunners improved to 7-5 overall and 3-1 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play with the victory, overcoming a 24-18 deficit in the third set to complete the sweep.
After controlling the opening two sets, MSU Denver found itself in unfamiliar territory in the third. Westminster built a 24-18 advantage and appeared poised to extend the match, but the
Roadrunners responded with eight consecutive points to steal the set 26-24 and finish the match in three. The comeback featured a balanced offensive attack, with six Roadrunners recording at least five kills.
Hayden Liebsack led MSU Denver with 12 kills while hitting .346, adding three kills in the third set as the Roadrunners mounted their comeback. Mayah Pridgett and Trynity Martin each finished with six kills, with Pridgett hitting a team-best .417 among players with multiple kills. Martin added three block assists and a solo block.
Kami Scott chipped in three kills and three block assists, while Megan Hagar added five kills. Brooke Gennerman saw action in the first two sets and made the most of her opportunity, recording five kills on seven attacks for a .571 hitting percentage.
Setter GabriElle Brewer guided the Roadrunners' offense with 30 assists and added two service aces and four digs.
Defensively, Mia Accomazzo provided a steady presence in the back row, recording a match-high 19 digs and adding a service ace. MSU Denver finished with 42 digs as a team while holding Westminster to 24 kills and a .067 hitting percentage.
MSU Denver was particularly dominant in the opening set, hitting .464 while recording 17 kills and committing just four attack errors. The Roadrunners followed with a .184 hitting percentage in the second set before finishing the match with a .150 mark in the decisive third.
The Roadrunners will close out their homestand Tuesday evening when they host Colorado Christian. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.
