Zias Topple Pair of Heartland Opponents
ENMU Wins Six of Seven Games

EDMOND, OK. — The Eastern New Mexico University volleyball team (7-2) extended its winning streak to six games on Friday, Sept.17, defeating both St. Edward’s University and the University of the Incarnate Word at the Lone Star Conference/Heartland Crossover Tournament, held at the University of Central Oklahoma.

The Zias defeated the Hilltoppers (5-8) three games to one (30-27, 30-22, 23-30, 30-18) in a morning contest, outhitting their opponents .240 to .090. Anna Bellum (Sr., OH, Albuquerque, NM/Garden City CC) led the way for ENMU with 20 kills, making just six errors for a .311 attack percentage in the match.

Grace George (So., MB, Kaaawa, HI/Kahuku HS) made 11 kills and Lindsay Schiely (Jr., MB, Portland, OR/Clackamas CC) posted 10 for ENMU. Margie Goble (Sr., S, San Antonio, TX/Holmes HS) played the role of both setter and attacker in the contest, posting 37 assists and nine kills with a .500 attack percentage.

Five Zias registered 10 or more digs in the contest; Goble, Bellum, Kelley McGinty (Sr., OH, Longview, WA/Whatcom CC), Jessica Weeks (Sr., LIB, Brownwell, KS/Garden City CC) and Olivia Boan (Jr., DS, Portales, NM/Portales HS).

Erika Figueiredo made 18 kills in a losing effort for St. Edward’s.

On Friday afternoon, the Zias made quick work of UIW (0-9), dropping the Cardinals in three sets (30-19, 30-2, 30-22). ENMU hit .280 for the match, including an impressive .432 (17 kills, one error) in the first game.

Bellum again led the Zias with 13 kills, while Emilie Rodman (Sr., MB, Gillette, WY/Western Wyoming CC) put home 12 kills to go with just two errors (.385 attack percentage) on the match. Goble made 39 assists and Weeks led ENMU with 22 digs in the victory. Kari Chapman led Incarnate Word with 16 kills.

The Zias face their toughest challenge of the weekend tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 18, when they take on St. Mary’s University. The Rattlers defeated Texas Women’s University and Midwestern State University on Friday to improve their record to 10-3 on the season. SMU has won eight straight matches. Game time is set for 11:30 a.m. MDT.