GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Colorado Mesa University (9-2 3-0), the No. 23-ranked team in the nation, showed it was deserving of its ranking by sweeping Chadron State College 25-10, 25-9 and 25-21 Saturday afternoon.
 
Mesa's Melissa Hess, the reigning Rocky Mountain Athletic Player of the Week, finished with 11 kills and hit .625 on the night, but the major difference in the match was CMU's defense. Mesa held Chadron State to a negative hitting percentage and had five total team blocks.
 
Chadron State College did give the Mavericks a scare in the third set, leading by as many as five points. However, following a timeout when Chadron State led 14-10, the Mavericks went on a 10-6 run to tie up the game at 20 before earning the win.
 
Senior outside hitter Erika Roybal led the Eagles' cause, getting four of her nine kills on the night in the third set. Roybal ended the night hitting a team high .250. Lelalelei Nomura closed the match out with seven kills, as well.
 
Defensively, Chadron State's Alyssa Bauer had a team high 15 digs and Alia Brennan had 3 blocks.
 
Chadron State College hosts its first home match of the season Thursday against Western New Mexico. First serve is set for 6 p.m.