The Eastern New Mexico University volleyball team was defeated by Texas Woman's University in four sets on Thursday at the Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena. The final scores were 17-25, 25-21, 22-25, and 18-25.
Aaliyah Butler, a junior outside hitter for ENMU, recorded a career-high of 11 kills with a .455 hitting percentage. Senior Imahni Brown led the team's defense with 18 digs and also added a service ace. Junior Sophia Valdez contributed to the offense with 12 kills and two blocks.
"We showed flashes of what we're capable of, especially in that second set," said head coach Karli Bustos. "Aaliyah was exceptional tonight with her career-high performance, and Imahni's defensive presence helped keep us in several rallies. We will continue to work on the little things and get better as a unit."
ENMU lost momentum in the first set but responded by winning the second set. The third set remained close until Texas Woman's pulled ahead for a win, followed by another victory in the fourth set to secure the match.
Addison Bartlett had seven kills for ENMU while freshman Amya Speller posted eight kills with a .273 hitting percentage.
For Texas Woman's University (record now at 9-5 overall and 2-1 in conference play), Tori Woods led all players with 16 kills and 13 digs. Teammates Trinity Blackwood and Jonaida Donowa each registered seven kills. TWU finished with a team hitting percentage of .223 compared to ENMU’s .107.
Eastern New Mexico will play again on October 4 against Dallas Baptist University at home.
