GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.—Colorado Mesa barely squeezed past the Chadron State Eagles in a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference volleyball match here Friday night, winning all three sets by three or fewer points.

The scores were 25-22, 25-22, 25-23.  The Eagles have now dropped 10 matches by three or fewer points this season.

"We're playing them close, but have to score a few more points and win more often," said CSC coach Chris Wells.  "Naturally, we're all disappointed that we didn't win."

Chadron State had a higher hitting percentage—.179 to .165—but the Mavericks had 121 attacks compared to the Eagles' 106 and 44 kills compared to CSC's 35.

Senior Erin Perez led Mesa with 17 kills.  Classmate Audrey Steinkirchner added 10.  The Eagles' leading hitter was Rudy Leasau with 14 kills. Gaby Varela contributed nine.  Both are juniors.

Caitie Breaux had 15 digs and Taylor Woods 14 for the Mavericks.  Chloe Guillen paced Chadron State with 13 and setter Madison Webb added nine.

The Eagles hurt themselves by having seven service errors and just one ace serve.  Mesa had seven aces and five service miscues.

Mesa is now 5-8 for the season and 3-1 in the RMAC.  CSC is 2-9 and 1-2.  The Eagles will play the Westminster Griffins in Salt Lake City tonight (Saturday).