Athletic Report
June 4, 2000

EASTERN NEW MEXICO VOLLEYBALL TEAM PICKED TO FINISH 2ND IN LSC SOUTH
PORTALES, NM — The Eastern New Mexico University volleyball team, which reached the Lone Star Conference Tournament semifinals before ending the season with a 26-10 overall record in 1999, has been picked to finish second in the LSC South this fall, according to the LSC Preseason Volleyball Poll. Head coaches, sports information directors and media representatives cast ballots in the poll.

West Texas A&M, which won the LSC South in 1999, was picked to repeat as division champion. ENMU, the second place team in the South Division last year, was followed in the 2000 preseason poll by Abilene Christian, Angelo State, Tarleton State and Texas A&M-Kingsville. Cameron, which lost to West Texas in the LSC Tournament championship match a year ago, was picked to win the North Division in 2000.

ENMU is set to begin its 14th season under Head Coach Mike Maguire. The Zias have recorded 11 consecutive winning seasons, while improving Maguire’s career record at ENMU to 269-162 (.624). Maguire, currently 284-177 (.616) overall, including one season as head coach at Chadron State (Nebr.), needs just 16 victories to record his 300th win. Maguire was named LSC South Coach-of-the-Year for the fourth time this past season.

The Zias return one starter from the 1999 team, outside hitter Tanya Heyko (Sr., Salem, OR/ Chemeketa C.C.). Heyko provided 336 kills (2.7 avg.), 451 digs (3.7 avg.) and a team-high 43 aces (0.4 avg.) in 1999.

ENMU also returns back-row specialist Annette Luafalemana-Tanielu (Sr., Kaunakakai, HI/ Eastern Arizona), who played in all 36 matches and all 124 games last season. She earned 382 digs (3.1 avg.), and trailed only Heyko with 42 service aces (0.3 avg.).

Christabell Mariner (So., Pago Pago, American Samoa/Tafuna H.S.), who saw action in 31 matches as a freshman, will also make important contributions to the Zias this coming season.