CANYON, Texas – #3 MSU Denver edged out the #5 Lady Buffs in a tight five-set match, winning 23-25, 25-13, 24-26, 25-18, 15-12 at the Auraria Event Center on Saturday morning in Denver. 
 
The first set was a tightly contested battle, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. Emma Becker and Bromli Watson played pivotal roles in the attack, combining on several occasions to counter MSU Denver's early momentum. A decisive stretch saw Currie Marusak and Taytum Stow contribute crucial blocks and kills, allowing the Lady Buffs to edge ahead. The set concluded with Becker securing the final point off an assist from Watson, clinching a narrow 25-23 victory.
 
The second set featured a commanding start from MSU Denver, who quickly established a lead with an initial 4-1 run, highlighted by a kill and service ace from Gabrielle Brewer. The Lady Buffs struggled to find rhythm, with MSU Denver capitalizing on several attack errors to extend their lead to 10-2. Despite a late push from the WT, including kills from Marusak and Becker, MSU Denver maintained their momentum, closing out the set 25-13 with a final block by Alyssa Boyte.
 
The Lady Buffs began the third set with a quick 2-0 lead, driven by attack errors from MSU Denver's Megan Hagar. Stow contributed significantly with early kills that helped maintain the advantage. The set remained tightly contested, with the score tied at 24-24 after MSU Denver's Skyler Michael's attack error was blocked by Sharlotte McClintock and Marusak. Marusak then sealed the set with a decisive kill, assisted by Watson, giving the Lady Buffs a narrow 26-24 victory.
 
The fourth set opened with a dominant service run by MSU Denver's Brewer, who contributed two service aces to establish an early 4-0 lead. WT responded promptly, leveling the score at 4-4 with a series of errors from MSU Denver and a service ace from Pauline Gonzales. Kaycee Cavanaugh and Marusak kept the visitors within striking distance with multiple kills, but MSU Denver maintained their edge, pulling away late with a service ace and kill from Annika Helf to secure a 25-18 set victory.
 
The fifth set began with steady exchanges, but the Lady Buffs seized momentum early with a kill by Cavanaugh, assisted by Watson, leveling the score at 2-2. Becker was instrumental for the Lady Buffs, delivering crucial kills at 7-9 and 10-10 to keep the set competitive. Despite a late surge, including a block by McClintock and Cavanaugh, the visitors were edged out in a tense 15-12 conclusion as MSU Denver capitalized on a service ace and a final kill by Helf.
 
Marusak led the team with 19.0 points, accumulating 16 kills and contributing five total blocks. Becker added 15 kills and three blocks, finishing with 16.5 points. Stow was a defensive presence, recording six total blocks. Hannah Pemberton anchored the defense with 15 digs, while Gonzales contributed 17 digs and added five assists. Watson played a key role with 33 assists, facilitating the team's offensive efforts.
 
The Lady Buffs move to the 3^rd place game of the Silver Bracket as they await their opponent, WT will play the loser of the Ferris State/Concordia-St. Paul matchup at 5:30 p.m. CT at the Auraria Event Center in Denver.