GOLDEN, Colo. – The #23-ranked Colorado School of Mines Volleyball team had to work for it, but found its way to a 3-1 victory over Black Hills State on Friday night inside Lockridge Arena.
 
Drew Stokes put up the ninth double-double of her career behind 53 assists and 10 digs while adding three kills on three attempts for a 1.000 attack percentage. Abby Tiesman was tops on the attack, knocking down 23 kills while hitting .439. Tiesman also racked up seven total blocks including three of the solo variety. Teammate Amanda Donais was equally deadly on the attack and at the net, posting 12 kills on 24 attempts with just one error and adding five total blocks. The Tiesman-Donais duo also combined for two service aces and 10 digs. Stalwart in the back row was Elle Duis who recorded 15 digs and no receiving errors in the service game.
 
With the win, Mines (12-2, 5-1 RMAC) extended its winning streak to four matches and remains tied at #2 in the RMAC standings with #17-ranked Regis. The Orediggers also snapped BHSU's three-match win streak by putting up 20 more kills on 20 more assists with 12 more digs than the Yellow Jackets. Notably, both teams combined for a total of 23 blocks on the night. Also, Black Hills State produced three service aces compared to just two from Mines.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
For the first time since Sept. 30, 2016 – more than three years – Black Hills State rolled into Lockridge Arena to face the Orediggers. It was a crisp fall evening outside with free Chick-Fil-A for the students inside. The temperature rose quickly as Mines raced out to a hot start. The Orediggers dominated the opening set by a score of 25-12, hitting .333 as a team and holding the Yellow Jackets to -.025 on the attack. Tiesman was the head of the spear with six kills on nine attempts and no errors.
 
The second set was a different story. Black Hills State turned the tables and recorded 4.0 blocks while holding the home team to a .061 hitting percentage. That would result in a 25-17 loss for Mines and the visitors evening the match, 1-1. However, the intermission provided the Orediggers new life. Coming out of the break, Tiesman and Donais teamed up for 13 kills on 21 attempts and put Mines back in the lead, 25-19. With a 2-1 lead, the Orediggers entered into the hardest-fought set of the night.
 
In game four, there were six ties and three lead changes – more than any other set on the evening. Black Hills State took the early lead and built it out to 7-3. But the home team wanted to end it in four rounds. Lindsey Jin sparked a 5-1 run which pulled Mines even at 8-8. Then, an exchange of points ensued from 8-8 up to 17-16 with the Orediggers in the lead. At that moment, Tiesman and Donais took over the match. One kill from Donais followed by two from Tiesman made it 20-16 in favor of the home team. Tiesman followed up with a solo block for a five-point lead at 22-17, and Mines did not look back. Black Hills State managed three more points before Jin ended it, courtesy of the assist off the hands of Stokes making the final score, 25-20 and giving the home team a 3-1 victory.
 
NOTABLES
- Mines is now 11-0 against Black Hills State since 2012 with eight sweeps and three four-set affairs.
- The Orediggers have only dropped three sets to the Yellow Jackets in seven years and 11 meetings.
- Stokes' nine-career double-doubles lead all active Orediggers. The next closest is Donais with six.
- Stokes also moved past 606 assists for the season thanks to her 53 spot against BHSU.
- Tiesman's 23 kills mark a season high for the senior and came one shy of matching her career best of 24.
- Tiesman has now recorded double-digit kills in 11 consecutive matches. Mines is 10-2 when Tiesman knocks down more than 10 kills.
- Donais' five blocks against Black Hills State match the sophomore's career best. She last put up five blocks on Sept. 1, 2018 against Indianapolis.
- Audrey Richard notched 10 blocks on Friday night. Good enough for a career high for the freshman.
- Elle Duis has double-digit blocks in her last three matches for a total of 48 blocks in 10 sets, putting her over 700 for her career.
- Mines is now 103-12 in RMAC play dating back to 2012.
- Head coach Jamie Magalei is 268-89 in 12 seasons at Mines.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
The Orediggers continue their weekend action on Saturday against South Dakota Mines at 5 pm. Inside Lockridge Arena. Live stats and video of the match will be available at www.minesathletics.com.
 
Keep up with Colorado School of Mines Athletics all season long on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the handle @MinesAthletics. Fans can also follow Mines Volleyball on Twitter using the handle @MinesVolleyball.