The New Mexico Highlands Volleyball Team improved to 11-15 (5-10 RMAC) with a three set win over RMAC West opponent Fort Lewis College who falls to 5-18 (2-13 RMAC) Friday night at Whalen Gymnasium.
The Cowgirl offense was well spread with three players in double-digit kills Senior Middle Blocker
Dominique Benton, Junior Outside Hitter
Ashley Nugent and Sophomore Outside Hitter
Darian Mullen all tallied more than 10 kills (14, 10, 12) and hit a combined .320.
RMAC Dig Leader and Freshman Libero
Sheila Olaechea chipped in 14 digs with Senior Opposite
Kelsey Groff close behind with 10.
Senior Setter
Brooke Fahnestock had a stellar match with 40 assists, two kills and nine digs.
As set one began, the Skyhawks had their greatest lead of the night with a 3-1 run. Highlands shut down the home team's momentum with a Nugent kill that sparked their lead. Trailing 18-16, Junior Defensive Specialist
Kristi Salazar served a six-point tear, acing the Skyhawk libero twice. Ft. Lewis made an attempt at a comeback, but the Cowgirl offense was too strong as they closed out the set 25-23.
Highlands started set two, carrying momentum from the first set, with a 10-6 run started by Benton and Mullen. The teams battled until 18 apiece when kills by Mullen and Benton spurred a 7-5 string of points as the Highlands went on to win the set 25-22.
After the eight-minute intermission, Fort Lewis came out strong and swinging as a kill from Gladymar Echeverria started their final set. Groff answered right back with a shot down the line that put a hole in the floor. The teams went back and forth, but Fort Lewis took the lead at 15 all. At 17-15, Jessica Wilson served a ball into the net and gave Highlands the advantage. At 19-19, Mullen's kill started the end of the match as she buried a ball into the floor. The 5-3 run finished the set and the match and Highlands earned their fifth RMAC victory of the season.
The Cowgirls travel to Colorado Mesa University on 10/29 at 7:00 p.m.
View the Complete Stats
HERE.
GO COWGIRLS!!!
