Athletic Report
October 9, 2000

ZIAS DEFEAT NMHU, 20-18, 15-13, 15-12
Highlands (16-2) Loses 2nd Match of Season
PORTALES, NM — The Eastern New Mexico University volleyball team defeated visiting New Mexico Highlands University in three close games, 20-18, 15-13, 15-12, Oct. 9 at Greyhound Arena. The loss was the second of the season for NMHU, which fell to 16-2. ENMU improved to 19-7 overall

Entering the match, New Mexico Highlands had defeated every opponent except 9th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney (NCAA Division II). UNK defeated the Cowgirls, 3-0, on Sept. 30.

The match way have hinged on the opening game, which lasted more than 40 minutes. ENMU built an 11-5 lead in the game, and later held a 14-8 advantage. New Mexico Highlands rallied, eventually taking a 15-14 lead. ENMU tied the score on a kill by junior outside hitter Jessica Rowley (Dallas, OR/Clackamas C.C.), but later trailed 16-15. ENMU countered with the next two points for a 17-16 advantage, only to have NMHU tied the score, 17-17.

A service ace by Christabell Mariner (So., MB, Pago Pago, Amer. Samoa/Tafuna H.S.) gave the Zias an 18-17 edge. The Cowgirls then earned another tie at 18-18, but the Zias closed out the game by winning the next two points.

Eastern New Mexico led 4-1 at the start of the second game. NMHU answered with a 5-2 run to tie the game, 6-6. The Zias moved back in front, and claimed a 4-point cushion at 10-6. NMHU rallied, using 3 kills, 1 block and 1 service ace by Sina Gallahar on its way to a 13-13 tie. Two attacking errors by the Cowgirls, however, allowed the Zias to win 15-13.

The Zias led 8-4 in the third game, but NMHU went on an 8-2 run of its own to claim a 12-10 advantage. ENMU pulled even, 12-12, then moved in front on a block by senior outside hitter Tanya Heyko (Salem, OR/Chemeketa C.C.). Mariner completed Eastern’s victory with a kill and a solo block.

Heyko sparked ENMU’s performance with 17 kills and 19 digs. Mariner added 12 kills, 17 digs and 6 total blocks, while Rowley supplied 15 kills and 17 digs. Rowley and junior right-side hitter Jenny Gledhill (West Jordan, UT/Sheridan J.C.) each recorded a .316 hitting percentage. Setter Margie Goble (Fr., San Antonio, TX/Holmes H.S.) provided 52 assists and 13 digs.

NMHU’s leader on offense was Nicole Durand, with 18 kills and a .233 hitting percentage. Gallahar added 16 kills, 16 digs and 3 service aces. Rochelle Esparza contributed 11 kills and 17 digs for the Cowgirls.

The Zias return to action this weekend with a pair of Lone Star Conference road matches at Angelo State University and Abilene Christian University. ENMU plays at Angelo State on Friday, Oct. 13, starting at 6:00 p.m. (MDT). The Zias take on ACU on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 4:00 p.m. (MDT).