CHADRON, Neb. -- September 30, 2016 -- Hitting a season-high .313 as a team in front of a rowdy home crowd, the Chadron State College volleyball team posted an important Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference win over Westminster College in Chicoine Center Friday night.

"We had two other wins," said CSC head volleyball coach Riann Mullis, "but they were away. So to see this Chadron State crowd and to be able to win in front of them is phenomenal."

"Our goal as a team is to hit at about 22 percent," she added. "That's a low goal but it's a realistic goal as well. Our offense exceeded that goal by far tonight. Offense was stronger than defense tonight and that shows in the statistics."

Chadron State (3-11, 2-4 RMAC) showed resilience in fighting through some adversity, particularly in set two, where they saw a 13-6 lead slip away, and in set three, where WC (2-12, 0-5 RMAC) went on an 8-2 run early in the match.

In both sets, however, the Eagles responded with composure and nailed four of the final five points to close out the match, 3-0.

"We're going to keep pushing and it's going to get cleaner for us every match after 20 points," said Mullis."

Every Chadron State hitter or blocker who had kills in the match hit for at least 20 percent, led by middle blocker Kenzie Chrisman who committed only two errors all night and contributed to scoring 12 points on five blocks and seven kills.

"Kenzie is a great player for us," said Mullis, "and she's only a sophomore, which excites me because she has so much time to grow. She's such a coachable kid and she's really fun to watch. It's rewarding to our program and to her to see her come out on top."

Setter Madison Webb controlled the ball for the Eagles, and had a great role in the above-average hitting shown by the team. Her 42 assists are the third highest total for any RMAC setter in a three set match this year, and noone else has totaled as many assists per set while helping her team to a .300 or better night at the net.

Gaby Varela led with 14 kills, hitting .273, and Rudy Leasau collected 13 kills and a .207 clip. Alia Brennan's eight kills and two total blocks came on only one error all night. She scored three points in quick succession at the net to gain match point in the third set.

After Friday night's results are final, the Eagles are assured of being no lower than one match out of a postseason berth. While they are off Saturday, at least one team in the top eight will finish as low as 3-3 in the standings and will be within reach the following weekend.

The Eagles have a rare Saturday night off of competition this week, while they prepare for perhaps their toughest opponent on the 2016 schedule, who abides right here in Nebraska.

They travel to Wayne State College on Tuesday night for a 6 p.m. MT match against the current ninth-ranked team in the AVCA national poll. The Wildcats were ranked as high as No. 2 earlier in the season, and play in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, which features seven squads currently ranked 11th or better in the nation. CSC previously played NSIC member Augustana, now ranked eighth, twice. The Eagles also faced No. 7 Winona State at the same tournament.

"We just have to focus on ourselves," said Mullis. "When you're playing a top-ranked team, you have to be aggressive and swing hard."

The game Tuesday will be broadcast locally by Double Q Country on 97.5 FM.