PORTALES, N.M. – The ENMU Greyhounds volleyball team opened the 2016 campaign with a split on the first day at the West Texas A&M Lady Buff Classic. ENMU dropped a five-set thriller in the opener to Northern Michigan, but was able to bounce back in the second match of the day with a 3-1 win over McKendree.
 
"I'm definitely very happy about picking up the win," ENMU Head Coach Sia Poyer said. "We lost to Northern Michigan in five, but in the second match we turned up our offense a little bit. We were able to get Lauren Frye going. I was very pleased with Imari Siufanua in the second match. We had to change up our defense a little bit. She knew she was going to get picked on, but she played outstanding for a freshman. Brooklyn Biel and Courtney Lawson both did a great job for us today. "

In the first match of the season, ENMU dropped a five-set thriller to Northern Michigan, 18-25, 29-27, 19-25, 25-15, 15-12. The Greyhounds lost two of the three sets by a combined five points. Seniors Lauren Frye (17), Courtney Lawson (12) and junior Brooklyn Biel (12) all tallied at-least ten kills in the match. Junior Alexis Aguirre set the table for the offense, dishing out 42 assists while Andrea Aguilar picked up a team-high 21 digs in the contest.
 
Later in the afternoon, ENMU knocked off McKendree 3-1 (23-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-21) to pick up its first win of the season. Frye, Biel and Lawson again picked up double-digit kills with Lawson earning a double-double with 13 digs. The Greyhounds hit a blistering .274 on attacks while Biel hit .435 with 11 kills.

"Tomorrow will be two tough matches like today," Poyer said. "Adams State beat West Texas A&M in four and although McKenree swept Southwestern Oklahoma State, they have a very talented team. The second match today was a huge win for and certainly something to build on."

The Greyhounds continue the action in Canyon on Saturday when they take on Adams State and Southwestern Oklahoma State at 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., respectively. For the latest news, follow @ENMUAthletics on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and visit goeasternathletics.com.