The New Mexico Highlands Volleyball team finished out their most successful season since 2005 with a loss to Western New Mexico University in the first round of the RMAC Playoffs.
The Cowgirls fell in three (25-22,25-20,25-19) straight sets to the RMAC West leader who travels to Kearney, Neb. to take on Metro State.
Highlands was led by Junior Outside Hitter
Ashley Nugent who compiled 11 kills on 24 attempts hitting .375. Freshman Libero
Sheila Olaechea notched 18 digs and one service ace.
The first set was a battle for both teams, as Highlands started out extremely well going on a 6-0 run with Olaechea behind the service line. The Cowgirls carried the momentum up til 12-7 when two errors shifted the set. Western went on a 9-2 tear. Highlands answered back with a kill from Nugent followed by two Junior Defensive Specialist
Kristi Salazar aces to bring the set to 16 apiece. A pair of kills from Angelina Pulu spurred the Mustang offense as they coasted to finish the first set 25-22.
Set two was evenly matched until tied at eight when the Mustangs increased their lead two points at a time. Trailing 21-13, Highlands made a run towards the lead, but the deficit was too big to overcome as Western finished the set 25-20.
Highlands started the final set in the hole as Western took an early 8-3 lead. The 'Girls used the Mustangs errors to start chipping away at their deficit. Kills from Senior Opposite
Kelsey Groff and Sophomore Outside Hitter
Darian Mullen and blocks from Senior Middle Blocker
Dominique Benton brought the visitors to tied at 15. But, Pulu was just too strong and led her team to victory with a string of kills for the win.
View the Complete Stats
HERE.
New Mexico Highlands University would like to congratulate Head Coach
Jim Deisler on his season and wish the three seniors the best of luck in their future!
GO COWGIRLS!!!
