GOLDEN, Colo. – The Colorado School of Mines Volleyball team put together a straight-sets victory over Chadron State Friday night inside the friendly confines of Lockridge Arena.
 
Amanda Donais led all players with 12 kills and came just short of a double-double thanks to nine digs on the night. Lindsey Jin and Abby Tiesman also contributed double-digit kills in the charge past the Eagles, combining for 20 over three sets. Drew Stokes dished out 42 assists while Elle Duis added 10 digs and Taylor Hicken knocked down three blocks. April Jergensen capped it all off with eight digs and led all players with two service aces, including the final point of the match.
 
With the win, Mines (16-6, 9-5 RMAC) snaps a two-game skid after dropping four of its last seven matches. The Orediggers only hit .233 as a team, but held Chadron State (13-8, 7-6 RMAC) to a stingy .149 attacking percentage while racking up 49 kills on 45 assists with 56 digs and five total blocks. Mines held the advantage in all of those categories except for blocks, but four service aces compared to CSC's two proved to be the difference. The Orediggers remain alone in fifth place in the RMAC standings after all teams inside the top six claimed victory on Friday evening.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Thanks to the climate-controlled confines of Lockridge Arena and all the facilities amenities, fans were guarded from the fall, bordering winter weather outside. Despite the optimal conditions, Mines came out of the gate a bit sluggish as Chadron State led early in the first set. With the visitor's lead up to 7-2, the Orediggers responded with a 4-0 run. The surge featured a kill from Jin as well as a kill and a solo block from Tiesman, pulling Mines within one point. From there, the Orediggers battled their way through three ties and forced the lone lead change of the match at 14-13 to earn a 25-19 win. Jin and Tiesman each had four kills in that first game and Stokes efficiently distributed 15 assists.
 
After the opening frame, it was relatively smooth sailing for the home team as they would never tie or trail the rest of the way. Mines jumped out to a 5-0 advantage in the second set and did not look back. Chadron State would close its deficit to three points a couple times, but Donais's seven kills in the second game proved too much. The Orediggers would take a commanding 2-0 lead in the match on a 25-22 win. Mines carried that momentum into the final game and used five more kills from Jin to clinch the victory, 25-21.
 
NOTABLES
- Mines is now 21-0 against Chadron State with Jamie Magalei as head coach.
- The Orediggers have dropped only five sets to the Eagles in the Magalei era.
- Donais's 12 kills put the sophomore over 400 kills for her career. She now has 403 kills with 354 blocks in less than two seasons.
- Another milestone featured true freshman Rose Stuewe moving past 100 kills for her career and the season.
- Defensive specialist Gabby Castronova happened to notch the second kill of her career. She's now hitting .667 on three attempts in eight matches.
- Prior to Friday's match, Colorado School of Mines President Dr. Paul Johnson presented Tiesman with a ball commemorating the 1,000th kill of her career.
- The Orediggers are now 107-16 in RMAC play dating back to 2012.
- Mines has now swept 12 opponents in 2019 with an overall record of 12-2 in three-set matches.
- Head coach Jamie Magalei is 271-93 in 12 seasons at the helm.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
The Orediggers face off against MSU Denver on Saturday at 5 p.m. inside Lockridge Arena while also celebrating Senior Day in their final home match of the regular season. Live stats and video of the contest will be available at www.minesathletics.com. Senior recognition will follow the conclusion of the match.
 
Keep up with Colorado School of Mines Athletics all season long on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the handle @MinesAthletics. Fans can also follow Mines Volleyball on Twitter using the handle @MinesVolleyball.