The Wyoming Cowgirls Volleyball team took on the Colorado State Rams on Wednesday and won the Border War 3-1 in exciting fashion. This was their first conference win and ended their 4 game losing streak to bring their record to 12-4.
The Cowgirls started off the first set matching 5-5 with the rams matching each other’s level. However the Rams went off on a 5-0 run that made the match 10-5. Not backing down, the cowgirls came back and tied the set at 18-18. Keeping the energy, the cowgirls fought, and eventually had the edge winning the first set 25-22.
Determined to end their 4 game losing streak, the Cowgirls took a 7-4 lead to start the second set. In another nail-biting set they are tied at 11-11 and again at 15-15 with both teams putting all they have into it. With a timeout down 20-22, the Cowgirls were determined to be ahead by 2 and with a block by Sarah Holcomb, and Corrin Carruth, Wyoming won 25-23. With the energy amped up, the Cowgirls were eyeing a 3-0 sweep.
However Colorado State had other plans and their offense took off and started the set 3-7 in the third set. They continued this lead and they went to 10-17 after Wyoming’s timeout. The Cowgirls were not able to find a rhythm as they found themselves down 14-21 but did not give up. Their comeback efforts however came up short and Colorado State won the third set 19-25.
Trying to continue on their momentum, the Rams had a 3-6 start. The cowgirls did not want a repeat of the last set, and went on a 4-0 run to bring it to 7-6 to take the lead. The game continued to be neck and neck until Colorado State would pull ahead for a 12-17 lead. Wyoming wasn’t done yet and came back to tie the set at 23-23. The crowd was standing and tensions were high. The set was then tied at 24-24 then on a spike by Kasia Partyka, Wyoming took the lead 25-24. With the game at stake, a block from Rylee Shultz with an assist by Kasia Partyka won the series for the Cowgirls in exciting fashion. The crowd roared, and the Wyoming Cowgirls won 3-1.
The cowgirls recorded a .212 hitting percentage as a team, and had 56 kills. Colorado State recorded a lower hitting percentage at .194 and had less kills at 53.
Tierney Barlow led the Cowgirls with 15 kills, followed by Rylee Shultz with 14, and Corin Carruth with 13. Kasia Partyka then led the Cowgirls with an astonishing 44 assists.
On the defense, Sierra Grizzle led the Cowgirls with 17 digs, followed by Kasia Partyka with 14 digs. Sarah Halcomb led the team in blocks with 8.
The Cowgirls will return to action this Thursday in the UniWyo Sports Complex at 6:30 p.m. and are facing the San Jose State Spartans.
