MESA, Ariz. — The College of Southern Nevada volleyball team showed its ability to respond after a difficult opening set Wednesday night, but Mesa Community College regained control down the stretch to hand the Lady Coyotes their first loss of the season, 3-1.
Mesa defeated CSN 25-13, 24-26, 25-12, 25-22 at Mesa, dropping the Lady Coyotes to 2-1 on the young season. The match was the first of two consecutive meetings between the teams in Mesa, with CSN scheduled to return to the court Thursday night.
After Mesa controlled the opening set, CSN responded with its best finish of the night in the second. The Lady Coyotes battled through a tight set and came away with a 26-24 victory to even the match at one set apiece.
Mesa answered emphatically in the third, taking a 25-12 win before CSN mounted another challenge in the fourth. The Lady Coyotes stayed within striking distance throughout the set, but the Thunderbirds were able to close out the 25-22 victory and the match.
Freshman outside hitter Tayla Singleton led the CSN attack with 10 kills while adding nine digs. Briley Fawson finished with seven kills and 10 digs, while Chasia Hoapili and LillyAnne Christensen contributed five kills apiece. Christensen also recorded a block assist. Player names and roster information were verified against CSN's 2026 roster.
Setter Libbie Ferreiro turned in an all-around performance with 23 assists, 17 digs, two kills and a service ace. Kody Wengler added 13 digs and an ace, helping CSN finish with 73 digs as a team.
Offensively, however, Mesa was able to create separation. The Thunderbirds finished with 50 kills and a .209 hitting percentage, while CSN totaled 39 kills and hit .074. Mesa also held an 81-73 advantage in digs. CSN recorded five service aces but was hurt by 12 service errors.
Mesa's Arys Palmer led all players with 14 kills while hitting .367 and adding 15 digs. Paige Nenaber added 10 kills as the Thunderbirds improved to 1-0.
The Lady Coyotes will have an immediate opportunity to answer. CSN and Mesa meet again Thursday at 6 p.m. in Mesa, concluding the Lady Coyotes' two-match Arizona trip.
