RANGELY, Colo. — The Western Nebraska Community College volleyball team recorded a pair of wins during the Blue Mountain Inn & Suites Invitational on Friday in Rangely, Colorado.

                The Cougars, who are ranked No. 5 in the nation, improved to 10-2 on the season with the wins.

                WNCC was impressive in handing Utah State Eastern its first loss of the season in three straight sets. The Cougars prevailed by scores of 25-22, 25-22, 25-21.

                Syenna Masaki led WNCC's hitting attack with 14 kills. Brooke Kaawa followed with 10 and Sarena Bartley added eight. Jayme Commins handed out 39 assists from her setter's position. Commins also led the Cougars from the service line with 12 points. Kaawa added six points with a pair of aces, while Genesis Benitez had five.

                Benitez paced the Cougars defensively with 20 digs. Kirstee Trees totaled nine and Kaawa had six. Kaawa and Commins both finished with two total blocks each.

                In its other match Friday, WNCC had little trouble with Colorado Northwestern. The Cougars rolled to a 25-21, 25-19, 25-12 sweep.

                Kaawa powered down a team-high 10 kills in the win. Bartley added eight kills and Masaki had five. Commins dished out 28 assists. The freshman from Ogallala also led the Cougars in serving with 11 points. Kaawa added 10 points and Trees had six.

                Benitez again led WNCC defensively with 14 digs. Masaki followed with 10 and Kaawa added eight.

                The Cougars will play two more matches in the tournament on Saturday. WNCC will face Colby Community College at 7 a.m. and Sheridan College at 2 p.m.