Zias Split Pair of Matches, Finish Lady Buff Classic with 3-1 Record

CANYON, TX – Christabell Mariner (Sr., OH/MB, Pago Pago, Amer. Samoa/Tafuna HS) earned 13 kills, supplied 24 digs and registered two service aces, as Eastern New Mexico University rallied past Colorado School of Mines, 23-30, 30-25, 30-11, 30-24, on Saturday, Aug. 30, to finish the West Texas A&M University Lady Buff Classic with a 3-1 record. The Zias, who won both of their matches on Friday, were defeated by Trinity University (Texas), 30-25, 22-30, 30-28, 30-23, Saturday morning.

Final standings from the tournament were not available. West Texas A&M and the University of the Incarnate Word were scheduled to play the final match of the tournament. WTAMU, ranked #3 in NCAA Division II was 3-0 heading into the match.

Against Colorado Mines, the Zias struggled in the first game, but gradually took control of the match. ENMU hit just .0957 in the first game, as the Zias saw a 14-10 lead evaporate into a 30-23 loss. In Game #2, Eastern trailed 8-4 and 11-8, but put together a string of five consecutive points while Margie Goble (Jr., S, San Antonio, TX/Holmes HS) was serving to take a 13-11 lead. ENMU was tied at 14-14, but never trailed the rest of the game in taking a 30-25 decision.

ENMU’s offense exploded for 15 kills with just two kill errors in the third game. The Zias were very efficient, using just 19 kill attempts to win the game, while achieving a .684 hitting percentage. Anya Mack (Jr., OH/RS, Cope, CO/Sheridan JC) registered four kills and one block in the 30-11 win.

In the fourth game, ENMU fell behind 4-1 and 7-4, but rallied for the win. The Zias took a 21-14 lead midway through the game, but the Orediggers ran off six consecutive points to pull within 21-20. The Zias answered with three consecutive pints, and never trailed the rest of the way, as they closed out the match with a 30-24 victory. CSM fell to 0-4 on the season.

Mariner, Mack and April Brockmann (Sr., MB, Tempe, AZ/Chandler-Gilbert CC) tied for the team lead with 13 kills. Mariner’s 24 digs led all players, while Goble provided a match-high 38 assists to go with 10 digs. Brockmann earned a .429 hitting percentage, and Courtney Wallenborn (Sr., RS, Camas, WA/Mt. Hood CC) added 12 kills and nine digs. Shannyn De Arman (Sr., MB/RS, Chandler, AZ/Glendale CC) contributed eight kills, a .375 hitting percentage and 3 block assists.

The Zias hit .232 for the match and earned seven service aces. Colorado Mines concluded the match with a .062 hitting percentage after hitting .200 in the first game. The Orediggers also earned just five service aces against 11 serving errors. ENMU was called for seven serving errors.

In ENMU’s loss to Trinity, the Zias hit .227 and Tigers hit .228. Trinity gained an edge with five more service aces (11) than serving errors (6). The Tigers also gained an early advantage by winning the first game, 30-25. ENMU answered with a 30-22 victory in Game #2.

The third game was close, but Trinity emerged with a 30-28 win for a 2-1 lead in the match. ENMU was unable to force a fifth game, as the Tigers achieved a 30-23 triumph in Game #4.

Mariner led Eastern’s attack with 20 kills. She also provided 23 digs. Wallenborn produced 15 kills and 12 digs, while earning a .400 hitting percentage. Mack finished with 14 kills and 16 digs. Goble supplied the Zias with 44 assists and a match-high 26 digs. Brockmann earned eight kills, provided four service aces and achieved 15 digs.

Trinity was led by Brianna Young, who totaled 19 kills and 19 digs. Shawn McLaughlin added 16 kills and 18 digs. Morgan Anderson followed with 13 kills and 18 digs, while Kristin Papp registered 12 kills and Maggie Chang recorded 16 digs. Ashley Farrimond earned 55 assists.

Both teams built up significant dig totals during the match. Eastern accumulated 101 digs, with Trinity gaining credit for 88 digs. Trinity finished the tournament at 2-2.

The Zias return to action on Tuesday, Sept. 3, when they take on Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas. Match time is set for 6 p.m. (MST).