GOLDEN, Colo. - #19 Colorado School of Mines got its 2017 season off to a winning start, earning victories over Texas Woman's and Eastern New Mexico on day one of the Residence Inn and Courtyard by Marriott Oredigger Classic.

Mines dispatched both opponents by 3-0 scores, hitting .400+ in each match led by Ellie Monarch's 26 combined kills.

#19 Mines 3, Texas Woman's 0
Mines got its season off to a terrific start with a 3-0 win over Texas Woman's University in the afternoon.

Down 22-18 in the first set, Mines hit the gas to win 25-23, then cruised from there with sets of 25-18 and 25-12. The Orediggers hit a sterling .453 for the match, including a dominating error-free .682 in the third, led by Ellie Monarch's 12 kills (.647), Lindsey Jin's eight kills (.294), and nine swings from LaRose Currie (.294). Abby Tiesman added seven kills hitting .545 and Janice Jin had the same number hitting .500 in her career debut, rounding out Mines' superb night at the net.

The Orediggers also served up 10 aces, led by Hailey Babcock's four. Marina Hanson powered the offense with 35 assists and added a team-high seven digs.

#19 Mines, Eastern New Mexico 0
The Orediggers capped Friday with a dominating 3-0 (25-11, 25-20, 25-13) win over Eastern New Mexico. 

Monarch (14K) and Abby Tiesman (11K) each hit double figures as the Mines front line was again hugely efficient, with Monarch, Lindsey Jin, and Tiesman each hitting .500 or better led by Monarch's .684 clip. Marina Hansen put up 42 assists with six digs while Hailey Babcock got under 10 balls. Janice Jin added nine kills (.316) and Lindsey Jin had eight (.571).

The result was never in doubt as Mines hit .407 for the match and held ENMU to .065.

NEXT UP
Mines will continue play at the Classic on Saturday, taking on Western New Mexico and #24 Northern State at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. respectively.