SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Colorado College pulled off a gritty 3-1 win over the University of Dallas to begin its quest for a fourth consecutive SCAC Championship on Friday. Interactive Bracket | Official Website | Photo Gallery | Colorado College Postgame Interview | Dallas Postgame Interview
No. 2 seed and 11th-ranked Colorado College won 25-17 in the opening set, but #7 Dallas took a 25-23 victory to tie things up 1-1. Dallas actually held the lead in the latter part of set three, but the 12th-ranked Tigers surged to a 25-21 win to take command. Colorado finished with another 25-21 win to clinch the match in the fourth.
SCAC Freshman of the Year Abbe Holtze had 19 kills and 16 digs to lead the Tigers. Courtney Birkett (14) and Lauren Hahn (12) also reached double figures for the Colorado offense, and all three players hit .300 or better in the match. Devon Lucero scored 29 assists, while Rebecca Watson finished with 18 for the Tigers. Lucero had a double-double with 11 digs as well. Sophie Merrifield tallied an outstanding 28 digs in the match, while Kristen Liberty finished with five blocks.
Jaime Birzer led Dallas with 15 kills and 14 digs, while Jessie Koster posted an astounding 42 digs for the Crusaders. Cat Dowgwillo also nabbed 12 kills, while Emily Caples had 10. C.J. Broadbent had a match-high 43 assists, and Allison Seager added three aces.
Colorado moves on to the SCAC Tournament Semifinals tonight at 7:00 p.m., facing off against Southwestern. Dallas will take on Schreiner tonight as well.
