How It Happened
#18 Colorado School of Mines (15-4, 9-1) dropped its first RMAC match of the season as they fell at Colorado Mesa (15-3, 9-1) by the final of 3-1 (23-25, 12-25, 27-25, 23-25) on Saturday, October 15.

Mines came out strong in the opening set as they battled the home standing Mavericks nip-and-tuck. CMU was finally able to grab a three-point lead (23-20) late in the frame, and held on for the 25-23 victory. 

After a second set to forget, Mines appeared in peril of being swept as they found themselves behind 18-14 in the third frame. It was then that the Orediggers responded with a big-time 8-1 run on three kills from Ellie Monarch to take a 23-19 lead. Colorado Mesa responded in kind with a 4-0 on their own to tie the match at 23. 

Both teams then traded point's back-and-fourth until a LaRose Currie kill and an attack error by CMU allowed Mines to escape with the win, 27-25.

After falling behind briefly 12-8, the Orediggers settled their selves in the fourth set and eventually took a 16-15 advantage. Tied at 21 apiece, Colorado Mesa got a kill from Gabriela Dias and an ace from Alyssa Chutka to take a two-point lead. Abby Tiesman got Mines back within one, but back-to-back attack errors doomed the Orediggers as they fell in the final set, 25-22.

Notables
-    The loss snapped Mines' program record 9-0 start to RMAC play. 
-    The loss also spoiled a monster outing from Ellie Monarch who had 12 kills, seven digs and six blocks. The seven digs were a career-high. 
-    LaRose Currie also put up her second straight strong match as she had a double-double of 12 kills and 13 digs. 
-    Taryn Huber had her second straight night of 20-plus digs with the evening's game-high 21.
-    Mines was beaten in most statistical categories, but they did enjoy a decisive 12-6 advantage on blocks. 
-    Alanna Winfield's eight kills on the night leaves her one short of Jackie Stabell's program-record 1,516 career kills.

Up Next
Mines continues their road trip next weekend as they head to RMAC leader MSU Denver and UCCS on Friday and Saturday, October 21-22.