The Colorado College volleyball came from behind to defeat Colorado Christian University 22-25, 25-13, 25-20, 27-25 on Wednesday night in front of the largest home crowd of the season at Reid Gymnasium.

 

A crowd of 457 turned out for CC's first annual 'Dig Pink' match as the Tigers celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

 

Colorado College improved to 24-9 while extending its current winning streak to five matches. CCU slipped to 7-19.

 

Sophomore middle blocker Emily Perkins led the Tigers with 15 kills, including the final two of the fourth set to put the match away. She completed the double-double with 13 kills.

 

The Cougars nearly forced a fifth set, overcoming a 23-20 deficit to tie the game at 24-24 on kills from junior outside hitter Lynda Hughes. CCU went up 25-24 on a kill by senior outside hitter Cassie Schott, but a service error gave the Tigers new life and Perkins was there to take advantage.

 

Colorado Christian jumped out to an 11-5 lead in the first set and led 18-11 before the Tigers got in gear. CC cut the deficit to 23-21, but ran out of time with the 25-point set.

 

The Tigers carried the momentum through the second set, and then jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the third and never trailed. The Cougars pulled to within 16-15, but Colorado College closed out the set with a 9-5 run.

 

Senior outside hitter Anna Clithero added a double-double with 14 kills and 12 digs. Sophomore middle blocker Erika Pirotte led the defensive effort with 11 kills and four blocked shots. Freshman opposite hitter Meredith Ballard hit .375 with seven kills and had three blocks.

 

Senior outside hitter Cassie Schott had match highs of 16 kills and 17 digs to pace CCU. Senior libero Amanda Husky added 13 digs.

 

Colorado College will play host to Denver's Johnson & Wales University on Friday afternoon at 4 p.m. in CC's final home match of the season.