Eastern New Mexico University's volleyball team lost a closely contested match against UT Permian Basin, falling 3-2 in five sets on Saturday at the UTPB Gym Complex Falcon Dome in Odessa, Texas. The set scores were 25-21, 24-26, 26-24, 15-25, and 12-15.
The Greyhounds now hold a record of 4-20 overall and 1-12 in the Lone Star Conference. Junior Sophia Valdez led Eastern New Mexico with 23 kills and a .185 hitting percentage, marking one of her top performances this season. Catalina Gutierrez recorded a double-double with 23 assists and 19 digs, playing key roles both offensively and defensively.
Addison Bartlett contributed seven kills, ten digs, and two blocks. Imahni Brown anchored the defense with 15 digs. Amya Speller added six kills and five blocks, while Violeta Flores had 18 assists and ten digs.
The teams exchanged momentum throughout the match, which featured 43 tie scores and 11 lead changes over one hour and forty-two minutes of play. After winning the first set, Eastern New Mexico dropped the second by two points but took the third set before UT Permian Basin won the final two sets to secure victory.
For UT Permian Basin (9-14 overall; 7-6 LSC), Ashlee Macias led all players with 35 kills on a .456 hitting percentage.
Eastern New Mexico will continue its road schedule on Monday, November 4 against Adams State in Alamosa, Colorado. The non-conference match is scheduled for a 5 p.m. Mountain Time start.
