LAS VEGAS, N.M. – The St. Edward's volleyball team had a tough task Friday when they opened up the 2013 IC Bhakta Invitational with two quality teams from the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The Hilltoppers dropped a 25-18, 25-12, 25-21 decision to Colorado Mesa and also fell to Colorado Christian, 25-17, 22-25, 25-16, 25-16, in the nightcap.
 
Against Colorado Mesa (5-1), St. Edward's (1-5) never really got on track offensively, hitting .144 for the match as the Mavericks pounded out a .289 hitting percentage. HANNAH RAUCH led the Hilltoppers with eight kills and a .318 hitting percentage. KELLY JIMENEZ tallied a team-high nine kills and eight digs during the straight-set loss. Colorado Mesa has already beaten Heartland Conference members UA Fort Smith and Dallas Baptist this season.
 
In the second match, the Hilltoppers came out much better offensively. After dropping a close first set, St. Edward's came out firing in set two. The Hilltoppers used a .317 hitting percentage to tie things up at a set apiece. However, the Cougars used a .375 hitting percentage in set three to take back control of the match.
 
Both Jimenez and Rauch notched double-doubles with Jimenez going for 11 kills and 17 digs, while Rauch compiled 12 kills and 10 digs.
 
Head Coach Sean Donahue had this to say about his team's performance on day one, "We played great competition today and really fought hard. We are learning each match and will hopefully find our stride soon."
 
St. Edward's will be back in action Saturday for the final day of the IC Bhakta Invitational hosted by New Mexico Highlands in Las Vegas, N.M. They will open the day taking on New Mexico Highlands at 12:30 p.m. CST, and end the tournament with a matchup with Western State at 5:30 p.m. CST.