Cowgirls Stumble in 5th set

Gunnison, CO- The New Mexico Highlands University Women's Volleyball team dropped the match against the Western State Colorado University Mountaineers (3-2). The Cowgirls fall to a 5-7 overall record, and 2-5 in RMAC.

1^st Set: The Cowgirls came out matching point for point with the Mountaineers. The game was 8-8 until Western State Colorado then went on a run to bring the lead to 8-13. The Cowgirls did their best to close the gap, but for every point they scored, the Mountaineer had an answer. Behind Senior Caroline Hansen, the Cowgirls made strong push and brought the set within one (22-21). The Mountaineers were able to hold off the comeback and won the set 25-23.

2^nd Set: The 2^nd set started out much like the first. The teams raced out to a 5-5 tie, only for the Mountaineers to go on a run to bring the score to 10-6. Again, the Cowgirls made an effort to come back from the deficit and brought the score of the set to 15-17. Freshmen Brianna Montano put NMHU in a good position as they tied the set 18-18. Neither team gave much breathing room, leading to a 23-23 tie. The Cowgirls refused to go down and secured the set 25-23.

3^rd Set: the Cowgirls galloped out to a 5-0 lead, forcing the Mountaineers to take an early timeout. They then commanded a convincing 13-3 lead leaving Western State with no choice but to take another timeout. They did not look back as they opened the lead to 19-6. However, the Mountaineers were not going to back down, they fought back 16-24. Despite their strong push, the Cowgirls set themselves a lead that could not be erased. They won the set 25-17.

4^th Set: It was the Mountaineers turn to come out hot as they opened the set with a 6-0 run before NMHU was able to counter. The Cowgirls took a timeout down 2-11. This proved to be effective as they brought the score to 11-13. They then took their first lead of the set, 19-18, as they looked to close out the match. The end of the 4^th was an intense, back to back battle, but the Cowgirls could not cap off the comeback as the Mountaineers won the set, 29-27.

5^th Set: Heading into the final set, the Mountaineers continued their hot streak running the score to 8-2. The resilient Cowgirls fought back once again to bring the score to 9-11. Hansen kept NMHU within striking distance for the whole match. The Cowgirls fought to the bitter end, but Hansen's career night (24 kills) was not enough to overcome the persistent Mountaineers. The final set ended with the Mountaineers winning 15-11. Western State won the match, 3-2.



 
The Cowgirls will continue on the road to Grand Junction, Co to face Colorado Mesa University at 6 pm. Live Stats and Video Broadcasting will be available online.
 
 
GO COWGIRLS !!!!!!!