Cowgirls Drop Tough Five-Setter in San Diego

San Diego, CA. – The Wyoming volleyball team dropped a heart-breaker Saturday evening, falling in a 3-2 match to MW rival San Diego State.

After the Aztecs snagged the first set, 25-20, the Cowgirls appeared to get in a rhythm in taking the second and third, 25-20 and 25-23, respectively, to jump out to a 2-1 lead. San Diego State responded with a 25-21 fourth-set victory, before edging the Pokes, 15-13, in the decisive fifth.

Wyoming was led offensively by senior Emily Lewis with 15 kills on a .225 hitting percentage, while junior Tara Traphagan also reached double-digit kills with 11 on a .310 clip. Cori Aafedt recorded 26 assists on the night, while freshman Marissa Hines added 19.

Three Cowgirls recorded five or more blocks, led by Traphagan with six, to combine for 11 as a team. Three Pokes also posted double-digit digs, led by Halie McArdle with 19.

After dropping the first set, Wyoming got back on track in the second responding with a .371 hitting percentage that was a match high for the either team. Tied at eight, the Pokes used a 6-1 run to create separation and eventually run away with the 25-20 win.

The Cowgirls were able to edge the Aztecs in the third set, as the two teams combined for seven ties and four lead changes. Wyoming withstood a late, mini 3-1 run from San Diego State to tie the set at 23 apiece, but used a service error from the Aztecs to take the lead before Lewis was able to put away a kill to secure the set.

The Aztecs forced a fifth set after pulling away from the Cowgirls late in the fourth. The fifth featured nine ties and six lead changes. Late in the period, Wyoming appeared to get a kill to take match point at 14-11; however, the call was challenged and overturned, spurring a 4-0 run from San Diego State to close out the match.

Wyoming will return home this Tuesday for a battle against Colorado State at 6:30 p.m. MT.