Las Vegas, New Mexico - New Mexico Highlands battled South Dakota Mines through two competitive sets Saturday afternoon before falling to the Hardrockers in straight sets, 25-21, 25-22, 25-14, at the King Center.
The Cowgirls (3-20, 1-9 RMAC) stayed within striking distance throughout the opening two sets but were unable to break through against South Dakota Mines (17-5, 7-3 RMAC).
New Mexico Highlands turned in its strongest offensive performance in the second set, recording 15 kills while hitting .323, but the Hardrockers held on for the narrow three-point victory before pulling away in the third set to complete the sweep.
Ava Kincaid led the Cowgirls offensively with eight kills and a .222 hitting percentage while contributing two blocks. Elise Fourt, Aziza Morris, Sophia Zimmerman and Duda Carvalho each added four kills.
Defensively, Becca Wiersema paced New Mexico Highlands with a match-high 14 digs, while Adyson Hudson added seven. Marissa Sandoval-Moya finished with 16 assists and six digs, and Caitlin Hurley contributed eight assists.
The Cowgirls finished with 30 kills, 41 digs and four service aces while hitting .150 for the match.
New Mexico Highlands returns home Friday, October 30, to face Colorado Christian at 6:00 pm inside the John A. Wilson Complex.
NOTES
- New Mexico Highlands matched South Dakota Mines with four service aces.
- The Cowgirls committed just three service errors, compared to seven by the Hardrockers.
- Freshman Sophia Zimmerman appeared in he first match of the season and recorded four kills.
- Savannah Boatwright contributed two kills on four attempts and recorded a solo block in two sets of action.
