Zias Lose Home Opener to New Mexico Highlands

Box Score

PORTALES, NM — Eastern New Mexico University lost its volleyball home opener on Friday, Sept. 2, as New Mexico Highland University claimed a 30-18, 30-17, 35-33 win Greyhound Arena. The Zias dropped to 0-2 overall, while the Cowgirls remained unbeaten with a 5-0 record.

For the second consecutive match, senior middle blocker Lindsay Schiely (Portland, OR/ Clackamas CC) was the Zias’ top player, as she earned 11 kills and four total blocks. Amber Davis (Sr., MB, Colorado Springs, CO/Dodge City CC) achieved a .308 hitting percentage and had six kills. Grace George (Jr., MB, Kaaawa, HI/Kahuku HS) and Rhea Wortman (Fr., OH, Prineville, OR/Crook County HS) each added five kills during the match.

ENMU came on strong in the third game, recording 19 kills after earning just 13 kills in the first two games combined. The Zias achieved a .310 hitting percentage in the third game, but the Cowgirls still managed to win, 35-33.

Eastern’s efforts during the match were hurt by 12 service errors, while the Zias registered just five service aces. Meanwhile, NMHU recorded eight aces and made only six serving errors.

New Mexico Highlands was led by Audra Williams, who provided the Cowgirls with 12 kills. Lauren Noriega added 20 digs, while Williams and Noriega each supplied a match-high three service aces.

The Zias will be on the road for their next five matches, starting at Lubbock Christian University on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. MST. The Lone Star Conference/Heartland Conference Crossover Tournament follows on Sept. 9-10 in Austin, Texas. The road trip will continue with the First LSC Crossover Tournament, set for Sept. 16-17 in Abilene, Texas. Eastern will wrap-up its longest road trip of the season at New Mexico Highlands on Sept. 20 in Las Vegas, N.M.