Box Score The Highlands Volleyball Team fell short to cross-state rival Eastern New Mexico University in three straight (25-23, 27-25, 25-19) sets in Portales, N.M. on 10/9.
Junior outside hitter
Darian Mullen led the way for the Cowgirls with 15 kills and 15 digs. Lending a helping hand was Freshman, opposite side hitter,
Stephanie Wilson who added in seven kills and 15 digs. Senior outside hitter
Ashley Nugent contributed with seven kills and 12 digs.
Freshman setter,
Quiana Vigil, had 34 assists with just one reception error with a .971 assist percentage.
The first set was a back and forth thriller to make it an 11-11 tie before the Zias created a run of their own that would end up being very helpful to make it a 19-14 score. After a NMHU timeout, the Cowgirls fought back hard to make it a 20-19 ball game. ENMU took a timeout of their own, trying to hold off the rally. The Zias found themselves in the lead and maintained the lead for good, going on a four point run to finish the set on top with a 25-23 win.
The second set was the Cowgirls show, leading most of the game and having a six point lead going into a Zia timeout 16-10. Looking to keep control of the set, the Cowgirls battled fiercely to hold on to the lead but were unable to hold off ENMU's rally that made the second set a nail bitter 23-22 in favor of the Cowgirls. After First Year Head Coach
Bryan Crawford took a timeout for NMHU to apply composure and some quality knowledge, the Zias would prevail in a shootout earning five points to overcome the Cowgirls lead and take the set 27-25.
The third set was again a close fought intense battle that would again be close with a 10-9 lead for the ENMU Zias. Having as much as a five point lead for the ENMU Zias, the Cowgirls seemed to have trouble finding their rhythm and fell 25-19 losing the match in three sets.
The Cowgirls (2-7 in conference and 6-13 overall) will have a home stand this weekend at the John A. Wilson Complex against newest RMAC opponent Black Hills State University on 10/12 and follow up against a veteran RMAC opponent Chadron State College on 10/13. If you can't make it to the matches you can view the action live-streaming
HERE on the Proview Networks and
HERE on the America One Network.
Look forward to a great home crowd this upcoming week to support your Cowgirl Volleyball team.
GO COWGIRLS!!!
