PORTALES, N.M. - The Eastern New Mexico volleyball team looks to snap a five-match losing streak Monday evening as the Greyhounds host New Mexico Highlands in non-conference action at 6 p.m. at the Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena.
Sophia Valdez continues to lead ENMU with 186 kills and 53 digs on the season, averaging 3.38 kills per set while maintaining a .197 hitting percentage. The junior outside hitter has been a consistent performer for the Greyhounds despite their recent struggles.
Addison Bartlett has contributed 115 kills (2.21 per set) and is second on the team with 140 digs this season.
Amya Speller has added 79 kills (1.44 per set) while leading the team with 49.0 blocks, while teammate
Violeta Flores directs the offense with 267 assists (4.94 per set).
Imahni Brown anchors the defense with 241 digs (4.38 per set), and
McKenzie Hart has recorded 51 kills and 22 blocks for the Greyhounds.
The Greyhounds struggled in their most recent match against West Texas A&M on Oct. 11, falling 12-25, 14-25, 11-25 in Canyon. ENMU managed just 25 kills compared to the Lady Buffs' 35, while recording 22 digs to West Texas A&M's 35 and being out-blocked 11.0 to 5.0.
Eastern New Mexico (3-13, 1-5 LSC) has shown flashes of potential this season, including a 3-0 sweep against Sul Ross State on Sept. 19 and a 3-1 victory over Western New Mexico on Sept. 20. The team is averaging 11.1 kills per set while opponents are hitting .207 against the Greyhounds' defense.
Aziza Morris leads New Mexico Highlands University with 156 kills this season, averaging 2.64 per set through 59 sets played. The standout performer has also contributed 27 digs to the Cowgirls' defensive efforts.
Becca Wiersema anchors the Highlands defense with a team-high 234 digs, averaging 3.97 per set. Jaylee Gonzales has been a force at the net, recording 125 kills and a team-leading 25.0 blocks while appearing in all 59 sets this season.
The Cowgirls (7-9, 2-4 RMAC) have found their rhythm, winning three consecutive matches. Highlands defeated Fort Lewis College 3-1 before sweeping both Regis and Chadron State 3-0, showing significant improvement in their execution and team chemistry.
New Mexico Highlands has nearly matched its opponents in offensive production this season, recording 692 kills (11.73 per set) compared to opponents' 696 (11.80 per set). The team posts a .174 hitting percentage while holding opponents to .198 and has distributed 605 assists (10.25 per set).
Defensively, the Cowgirls have excelled in the back row, tallying 992 digs (16.81 per set) compared to opponents' 964 (16.34 per set). Though trailing in blocks with 76.0 (1.29 per set) versus opponents' 102.0 (1.73 per set), the team has compensated with aggressive serving, recording 102 aces (1.73 per set) this season.
Eastern New Mexico holds a 52-21-1 series lead over the Cowgirls.
The Greyhounds will look to improve their conference record when they travel to Alpine, Texas, for a rematch against Sul Ross State on Oct. 16. ENMU defeated the Lobos in straight sets (25-16, 25-20, 25-22) in their previous meeting this season.
