Athletic Report
October 23, 2000

MARINER NAMED ALL-TOURNAMENT AT WEST TEXAS A&M LADY BUFF CHALLENGE
CANYON, TX — Eastern New Mexico University middle blocker Christabell Mariner (So., Pago Pago, American Samoa/Tafuna High School) was named to the All-Tournament Team at the 2000 Lady Buff Southwest Region Challenge, held Oct. 20-21 at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. Mariner helped the Zias earn a 2-1 record in the event, as ENMU improved to 22-9 on the season.

Mariner recorded 46 kills (4.2 per game) during the tournament, while earning a .269 hitting percentage. She also achieved 38 digs (3.5 avg.) and 19 total blocks (1.7 avg.). She earned 4 assists and 1 service ace.

ENMU opened the tournament with a 5-15, 15-6, 12-15, 16-14, 15-11 victory over Cameron University on Oct. 20. It was Eastern’s first win over Cameron since Oct. 1, 1994, when the Zias also claimed a five-game triumph.

The Zias played again shortly after the Cameron match, and lost to St. Mary’s University (Texas), 15-10, 15-12, 15-13. ENMU completed the tournament on Oct. 21, with a 15-11, 15-12, 15-13 win over Central Oklahoma.

Other All-Tournament selections at the Lady Buff Challenge were Shannon Stroud and Brittany Bridge of West Texas A&M, Megan Carter of Cameron, Alma Brahimaj of Central Oklahoma, and Kristelle Rodriguez and Jennifer Cabanilla of St. Mary’s. Stroud was chosen Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

The Zias will return to Canyon, Texas on Tuesday, Oct. 24 for a Lone Star Conference South Division match against West Texas A&M. WTAMU currently leads the LSC South with a 7-0 record. ENMU is tied for second in the division with Abilene Christian. The Zias and the Wildcats are each 4-3 in LSC play. Match time for the ENMU vs. WTAMU contest is set for 6:00 p.m. (Mountain Time).