The sixth-ranked Rockhurst Hawks opened the Rockhurst Classic with a 3-0 victory over Colorado Mesa (25-23, 25-19, 25-17) Friday afternoon at Mason-Halpin Field House.

The Hawks showcased a balanced attack. Junior outside hitter Alyssa Woodman led the team with eight kills, while Karli Reichert and Emily Matio each added  seven kills. Audrey Arand, Emma Kriete and Mary Rolf combined for another 13 kills.

Senior libero Kalie Arnold energized the Hawks and kept plays alive with a team-high 15 digs. Dani Prusha and Gabbie Inman set the table, combining for 32 assists.

Set One: Rockhurst 25, Colorado Mesa 23
The Hawks jumped out to a 16-12 lead, but Mesa surged ahead 23-22. The Mavericks then made three consecutive errors, as Rockhurst took the set.

Set Two: Rockhurst 25, Colorado Mesa 19
Tied at 10, the Hawks rattled off a 10-2 run to jump ahead 20-12. This proved to be the turning point, as they would go on to take the set.

Set Three: Rockhurst 25, Colorado Mesa 17
After falling behind 3-0, Rockhurst took its first lead of the set at 10-9. Up 14-13, the Hawks then ended on an 11-4 run, punctuated by two Matio kills from Prusha for points 24 and 25.

Player of the Match
Karli Reichert. In addition to her seven kills, the senior from Kansas City, Missouri tacked on seven digs and four service aces, swinging momentum in the Hawks' favor with three aces in a row in the second set.

Inside the Box Score

• Middle hitter Emily Matio led the Hawks with a .583 hitting percentage.
• The Hawks had nine blocks to the Mavericks' five blocks. Rolf led the Hawks with five blocks.
• Mesa committed 21 errors to Rockhurst's 11 errors.

On Deck
Rockhurst hosts Sioux Falls at 7:30 pm Friday night at Mason-Halpin Field House.