The New Mexico Highlands Volleyball team (6-4, 1-1 RMAC) handed Chadron State College a four set (25-21, 25-21, 23-25, 25-22) loss Friday night at the John A. Wilson Complex.
This match marked the first time since 2009 that the Cowgirls have won a conference match.
“Tonight's match was a big win for us,” said head coach Jim Deisler. “It was great to see the way they responded after last night's match.”
Set one was controlled confidently by the home team starting out with a kill from sophomore Outside Hitter Darian Mullen. An abundance of Chadron errors helped the Cowgirls push towards a 16-10 lead, but kills from Barbie DeCent and Lexi Hoagland brought the visitors to within two. As Chadron closed in on the Cowgirls, Highlands pulled away for the win and terminated the set forcefully with an ace from freshman LiberoSheila Olaechea.
In set two, the Cowgirls started with a 12-3 run that kept the Eagles down the entire second set. Chadron battled hard and gained momentum, but Deisler's defense dug dimes and kept the home team and the crowd entrenched in the match. Both timeouts were burned for the home team within eight points, but the timing of them was impeccable. After Deisler called his second timeout at 22-20, Michaela Schmitt created an unforced error that Olaechea took advantage of, pushing the Cowgirls to the 25-21 win.
As the match progressed, Chadron came out swinging into the third set after an eight minute intermission. Senior Setter Brooke Fahnestock spread her offense to the antennae, utilizing Senior Opposite Kelsey Groff, but the Chadron block stepped up their game and shut down the Cowgirls. Highlands battled and rallied from a five point deficit to tie the match at 17. The teams traded points, but the visitors came out ahead 25-23.
The final set was controlled by the home team who led the entire way to finish the match. Junior Outside Hitter Brook Tuttle paced the 'Girls and pushed them to an extremely successful match. Mullen, who led the team in kills with 22, started the fourth set with a kill from Fahnestock who finished the match with 44 assists.
The Cowgirls finish their RMAC Opening Weekend tomorrow night against University of Colorado – Colorado Springs at 7 P.M. at the John A. Wilson Complex.
To view the complete Box Score click HERE.
GO COWGIRLS!!!
