The Air Force Falcons women’s volleyball team lost in three straight sets to the University of Denver during the opening match of the Into the Blue Invitational at the U.S. Air Force Academy on September 18. The scores were 21-25, 22-25, and 23-25. With this result, the Falcons’ season record moved to 8-2.
Sophomore Mia Loyd led all setters with 27 assists and contributed three of Air Force’s seven service aces. Freshman Sophie Bridges added two aces. Seniors Ashley Bible and Jordan Suan, along with sophomore Alysa Walker, each recorded seven digs. Bible also led the team in kills with nine and was one of four Falcons to register two blocks.
Loyd began the match with consecutive aces, but Denver responded by winning eight of the next ten points, prompting an early timeout from Air Force. The Falcons managed to tie the set at 10, helped by kills from senior Savanah Johnson, Walker, and Bella Christensen. Despite briefly taking a lead after a block from Bible and Alex Hatchett, Denver closed out the first set with an 11-2 run.
In the second set, Air Force again took an early lead following a block by Bible and a kill by Walker. The team extended its advantage to 11-5 before Denver rallied to tie at 17. A successful challenge by head coach Macey Donathan gave Air Force a 20-19 edge, but Denver finished strong to win the set 25-19.
The third set saw another quick start for Air Force with an ace from Loyd and kills by multiple players, including Bible and Hatchett. After Denver took a 9-7 lead, Air Force managed to tie the score several times but could not close out the set. The Pioneers scored the final two points for a 25-23 win, completing the sweep at Cadet East Gym.
Air Force will continue play in the Into the Blue Invitational on September 19 against Northern Colorado at 7:00 p.m. Mountain Time. The match will feature the debut of new Space Force uniforms for the team. In addition, Air Force will honor former head coach Matt McShane, who passed away late last year.
