Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 SAN ANGELO, Texas – The Colorado Mesa volleyball team started the 2013 season off on the right foot by winning both of its matches today (Sept. 6) in Texas. CMU defeated Arkansas-Fort Smith 3-0 (25-17, 25-13, 25-19) and followed up with a 3-1 (23-25, 25-15, 25-13, 26-24) victory over Dallas Baptist.

"We had a really good first day considering all the new kids we are playing," said head coach Dave Fleming.

The Mavericks prevailed against UAFS thanks to a solid effort both offensively and defensively. CMU hit .284 for the match, including 47 kills, while holding UAFS to a .121 attack percentage and only 32 kills. The Mavericks finished with a lopsided 62-46 advantage in digs.

Christian Otzen finished with a double-double for the Mavericks thanks to a team-high 12 kills and 11 digs. She hit .345 (12 kills and 2 errors on 29 attempts) in the match.

Setter Jordyn Moody also finished with a double-double compliments of a match-high 31 assists and 13 digs.
Overall, CMU had four players tally 10 or more digs in the match.

"The first match we played really well, and I couldn't have asked for anything more," said Fleming.

In the second match of the day, Mesa dropped the first set, 25-23, but won the next two 25-15 and 25-13. The Mavericks trailed 24-20 in the fourth set before rattling off six straight points to win the set and the match.

The Mavericks hit a season-low .061 in the opening set but rebounded by hitting .194, .255 and .197 over the final three sets. CMU finished with a .178 attack percentage with 63 kills in the match.

"Our tempo was a little bit off in the second match, but we found a way to win," said Fleming.

Otzen tallied her second straight double-double with a match-high 23 kills and 10 digs.

Erin Perez also notched a double-double with 23 digs and 10 kills.

Melissa Hess made six blocks, all assisted, and added 10 kills.

Four Mavericks finished with 10 or more kills and three had more than 10 digs, including Sunni Rae Baird who finished with a match-high 29.

"Anytime you average more than 20 digs a game you are going to put yourself in a place to win," said Fleming after the team combined for 150 digs in the two matches.

Colorado Mesa will face Angelo State and Tarleton State tomorrow (Sept. 7).