Box Score CHADRON – Barbie DeCent had 21 kills and Erika Roybal provided 17 more to help propel the Chadron State volleyball team to a tough five set (26-24, 23-25, 19-25, 25-21, 15-12) Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference victory over Colorado Christian Saturday at Armstrong Gymnasium.
 
Prior to the match, Chadron State recognized its two seniors – DeCent and Jessica Jester – and the team sent them out during their home finale in the best way possible as the Eagles earned their first RMAC victory at home in over four years.
 
"We really played with a lot of passion and perseverance tonight," second-year head coach Janel Baily said. "They showed how much the match meant to them and played with a lot of heart. It was a great way to end our home season and I'm pleased to send the seniors out with a win."
 
The match was close throughout. In all, the Cougars (16-9, 10-5 RMAC) and Eagles were tied 26 times and traded the lead five times.
 
The Eagles' offense was crisp. They hit .194 and received 59 set assists from Justine Ackie. DeCent led the charge with 21 kills and hit .283 and added a match-high 27 digs, but she received plenty of help. Roybal had 17 kills, Nikki Schmidt and Jester each had 10 kills and Alia Brennan finished with seven.
 
The Eagles also controlled play at the net, finishing with 18 blocks. Brennan and DeCent each had five and Jester chipped in three.
 
Taylor Sturms led Colorado Christian with 24 kills and 19 digs.
 
Chadron State, now 5-20 overall and 2-13 in the RMAC, will play its final four matches on the road, beginning Tuesday at Black Hills State.