FORT COLLINS, Colo. – The Gauchos’ second road match of the weekend was a Friday night challenge at Colorado State, a contest the Rams won 3-0.
Though the Gauchos garnered a late lead in the first set, the Rams returned to take it 25-22 on their home court. Ties were constant through 9-9, after which Colorado State stayed a couple of points ahead.
The Gauchos tied it up once again at 16-16, then made four points in a row to make it 20-17. They kept the lead until 21-21, and though it was still tied at 22-22, the Rams made three to take it. Ava Zamora came in for her second match of the season and made five assists.
The Rams forged through the second set, taking it 25-16. After an early, 6-6 tie, Colorado State picked up steam and reached 15 first. Thanks to seven kills from the Gauchos, they came back to end less than ten points behind their hosts. Kate Martin also administered her first career ace in the second.
The third set would also go to the Rams, 25-19. The Gauchos stayed closer throughout, making it to 11-11, then stood just three points behind at 17-10. Clean play from the Rams would carry them through to the win, however, and they earned their fourth home win of the season.
Auburn Tomkinson secured double-digit kills for the second night in a row, making 10 against the Rams to lead the Gauchos on offense and hit .364. Cortni Youngblood made 26 receptions with no errors and Santa Barbara out-dug Colorado state 43 to 32
Avery Gibbs had the best offensive match of her career, making six kills for an all-time high. After setting career-bests against Wyoming, Reilly Goueth followed up with highs in kills, digs, and blocks, making five, two, and three.
The Gauchos wrap their road trip against the University of South Dakota at 12 p.m. MT on Saturday, Sept. 12 in Moby Arena at Colorado State.