Colorado State University’s women’s volleyball team marked Senior Day with a 3-1 victory over New Mexico on Saturday, closing their regular home season at Moby Arena. The match ended with set scores of 25-19, 20-25, 25-13, and 25-17.
Before the game, seniors Aine Doty, Zosia Szczotkiewicz, Delaney McIntosh, Jazen Debina, and Riley Simpson were recognized by coaching staff and family members. The event was described as emotional for both players and supporters.
“My family has been watching all my games since I was younger and through high school,” Doty said. “I feel very grateful for them, and I wouldn’t be able to do it without them. I was emotional before the game, but I feel like once I step on to that court, I realize I have to get to work.”
The Rams focused on starting strong in the opening set. They achieved a .364 hitting percentage with 16 kills on 33 attempts—one of their cleanest starts in recent weeks. According to Halle Jameson: “They were just being more aggressive in general. They were making these really crazy defensive plays and continued to hit really aggressively. We were like, if we want to beat them, we have to be just as intense.”
After dropping the second set to New Mexico, Colorado State regrouped during the break before the third set by emphasizing patience over panic. In the third set, CSU held New Mexico to negative hitting efficiency by forcing nine attack errors and recording five blocks.
Middle blocker Eve Wilson contributed six blocks as part of CSU’s total of twelve team blocks for the match.
“They were taking good swings at the ball, but in their frustration tried to get outside their comfort zone and swing shots they normally wouldn’t take,” coach Emily Kohan said. “That was the message after the second set, just keep patient and do the same thing to wear them down.”
By the fourth set, Colorado State out-hit New Mexico .412 to .176 and matched them defensively throughout extended rallies.
“In the first and second set (the rallies) were a little rough,” Doty said. “I think New Mexico had a lot of good rallies and defense but in the third and fourth, we really matched their rallies. And so it just becomes not giving up after a long rally and continue to swing really big. Even if you’re tired.”
Statistically one of the top defensive teams in their conference this season based on opponent hitting percentage allowed, Colorado State limited New Mexico’s offense to a .141 overall efficiency during this match.
“We’re the best defensive team in the conference from opponent hitting efficiency” Kohan said. “That’s a skill that doesn’t get as much recognition all them. And, we figured out how to be good at serving, blocking and floor defense to hold all the teams to their own frustration.”
With this win behind them on Senior Day—a day full of meaning for many—the Rams prepare for competition at the Mountain West Tournament in Las Vegas.
