ALAMOSA, Colorado — Adams State Volleyball earned a hard-fought five-set victory over CSU Pueblo on Tuesday night at Plachy Hall, rallying to secure a 3-2 win by scores of 18-25, 25-21, 25-22, 12-25, and 16-14. The Grizzlies improved to 13-12 (7-4 RMAC) with the victory.
CSU Pueblo came out strong in the opening set, taking the first frame 25-18 to gain an early advantage. Adams State responded immediately in the second set, using a more effective offensive effort to even the match with a 25-21 win. In this second set the Grizzlies were able to hit 0.302, securing 16 kills while only committing three errors. On the night, this second set was the Grizzlies most efficient offensive set of the night. Moving into the third set, the Grizzlies carried their momentum, edging the ThunderWolves 25-22 to take a 2-1 lead in the match.
Unfortunately, the Grizzlies could not close out the match in the fourth set as the ThunderWolves answered, controlling the frame and earning a decisive 25-12 victory to force a fifth and final set. With the match on the line, both teams battled through a tightly contested deciding frame. Adams State ultimately came through in the closing points, securing a 16-14 win to claim the five-set victory in front of a packed Plachy Hall, energized by a strong showing of Grizzly fans.
Offensively, the Grizzlies were led by Katie Bauer, who recorded 12 kills on 24 attempts for a .333 hitting percentage. Bauer also contributed three service aces and two solo blocks, finishing with a team-high 17 points. Lizzie Macintosh led the Grizzlies in kills adding 14 kills, while Aubrey Rothermich chipped in 10 kills and three total blocks. Rowan Tribelhorn and Isa Folau each recorded eight kills, helping Adams State finish with 66 kills as a team.
Defensively, the Grizzlies collected 78 digs, with Ashlyn Jones leading the way with 17 digs. Folau added 16 digs, while Taylor Matthews also recorded 16 digs in the five-set contest. Isabella DeLaRosa paced the setting effort with 31 assists, while Ellie Miller contributed 21 assists as Adams State finished with 58 assists overall. At the net, the Grizzlies recorded eight total blocks, led by Bauer and Rothermich with two each.
Despite being out-hit by CSU Pueblo, which finished with a .261 hitting percentage compared to Adams State's .170, the Grizzlies found a way to prevail in the decisive moments. Adams State's ability to respond after dropping the opening set, regain control to take a 2-1 lead, and finish strong in the fifth set proved crucial in securing the conference victory.
Looking Forward
Up next for the Grizzlies, Adams State will look to build on Tuesday night's hard-earned victory as the team continues its push through the final stretch of the 2026 season. The Grizzlies will continue their home stretch at Plachy Hall this Saturday, October 31st, to face Colorado Christian University in another important RMAC matchup. The Halloween showdown is set for 6 p.m. MST as Adams State looks to climb the conference standings, where the Grizzlies currently sit in sixth place. Come out to Plachy Hall and support your Grizzlies as they look to carry Tuesday night's momentum into another conference battle.
