Eastern New Mexico University's volleyball team ended a five-match losing streak with a 3-1 win over New Mexico Highlands University on Monday at the Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena in Portales. The Greyhounds secured their first victory over the Cowgirls since 2016, with set scores of 26-24, 14-25, 25-22, and 26-24.
The win also stopped New Mexico Highlands' three-match winning streak, which was its longest since 2013. ENMU head coach Karli Bustos said, "I'm incredibly proud of how our team responded today. After dropping our last five matches, they showed resilience and determination. Our conference prepares us for tough matches like this one, and today we proved we can compete with anyone when we execute our game plan."
Sophia Valdez led the Greyhounds' offense with 17 kills on a .167 hitting percentage. McKenzie Hart added nine kills, six blocks, and hit .238, while Addison Bartlett contributed 12 kills and ten digs. Amya Speller provided nine kills with a .333 efficiency and three blocks.
On defense, libero Imahni Brown recorded 21 digs and scored the match-winning point when her serve hit the tape and dropped in front of the Cowgirls. Brown also had two service aces. Violeta Flores managed the attack with 28 assists, three service aces, and four digs. Catalina Gutierrez added 19 assists and 13 digs for her first double-double of the season.
For New Mexico Highlands, Arianna Jamerson led with 17 kills and Jaylee Gonzales had six kills.
With this result, Eastern New Mexico's record improves to 4-13 overall and 1-5 in conference play. New Mexico Highlands drops to 7-10 overall and 2-4 in their conference.
ENMU will next travel to play Sul Ross State on Thursday, October 16, followed by a match at Western New Mexico on Saturday, October 18.
