Alamosa, Colo. - The Adams State University (2-3) volleyball team faced a tough challenge in their 2017 home opener today against No. 9, Angelo State University (5-0). Though the Rams won 3-0, the Grizzlies gave them arguably their toughest fight of the season.
 
Angelo State has won 15 sets this season and lost zero. The Grizzlies challenged that stat and pushed them to the limit in the third set but were narrowly defeated 30-28. The first set was all Rams, as the visitors looked strong in a 25-16 win. A comeback in the second would fall short. Trailing 24-14, Adams put together a 4-0 run to get it to 24-18. A Rams kills would end the momentum and send the game into intermission. Not wanting to get swept, the Grizzlies controlled most of the third set, even holding a 20-15 lead late. Angelo State would then cut it to 20-18 before Macie Magallon's kill gave Adams some breathing room. The score would then go back and forth until the Rams tied it at 22. Needing to win by two, both teams entered extra points and seemingly had it won on multiple occasions. Tied at 28, Angelo State scored the next two points to keep their record flawless.
 
Mallory Grimsrud and Hannah Goddard led the Grizzlies with 12 kills and 11 kills respectively. Defensively, Mackenzie Swanson and Gabrielle Timmen each recorded 12 digs each. The Rams were led by Brianna Sotello's 12 kills and seven digs.
 
Mallory Grimsrud continues to climb the career kills list at Adams State to fifth place. Her 12 kills today pushes her past Megan Tapia (2010-13) and leaves her only 27 behind Andrea Tuck (2007-08) and the  fourth place spot.
 
The team will travel to Bolivar, Missouri for their next four games in the Southwest Baptist Tournament. The action starts at 11:00AM this Friday against Emporia State University.