The New Mexico Highlands Volleyball team traveled out of town for a pair of Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference games, only to come up empty. The Cowgirls dropped a five-set battle against Westminster on Friday before losing 0-3 at Colorado Mesa on Saturday.
Despite winning the stat sheet, the Cowgirls couldn't finish the comeback against the Griffins in Salt Lake City on Friday. Down 0-2, Highlands mustered wins in both the third (25-23) and fourth (25-14) sets before falling 15-17 in the decisive fifth and final. They finished the match with more points (81-67.5), kills (63-53), aces (10-7), blocks (8-7), assists (55-44) and digs (88-87), but in the end it was Griffins 3-2 in set wins to take the match.
The Cowgirl attack was led by Keegan Lopez (22 kills) and Terayah Stukes (16 kills). Soleil Gandara dished out 50 assists. Angelina Oliver (5) and Lopez (4) were involved in almost all of Highlands blocks. Lopez (26), Stukes (21) and Lisi Langi (20) all had at least 20 digs. The Griffins offense was slightly more efficient, hitting at a .178 clip compared to .142 for NMHU.
On Saturday the Cowgirls visited Colorado Mesa, falling 18-25, 11-25, 11-25.
The Mavericks dominated on both sides of the net, hitting a blistering .337 while forcing Highlands to just .032.
Past the first set, the Cowgirls (4-9, 1-3 RMAC) struggled to get much going. In the opening frame, NMHU were within striking distance with 11 kills, three by Stukes and two each from Lopez, Gandara, Langi and Stacy Johnson. The Mavericks (8-3, 3-1 RMAC) won the set 25-18, which was the closest score of the night. The last two sets produced only 12 kills combined for Highlands. Langi ended the night with a team-high 6 kills. Gandara recorded 15 assists and Elena Rivera had 10 digs, both leading the Cowgirls.
The Cowgirls return home on Monday, September 27 as they welcome in-state rival Western New Mexico in a non-conference contest. First serve is at 6:00p MT.
