PORTALES, N.M. – The Eastern New Mexico volleyball team was able to limit its opponents to a .173 team hitting percentage but ultimately fell to UT Permian Basin 3-1 (17-25, 25-23, 22-25, 19-25) Saturday afternoon inside Greyhound Arena.
Junior outside hitter Jasmine Gannon recorded her second consecutive double-double, fifth on the season as she finished with a game-high 13 kills and was second on the team with 13 digs. Sophomore setter Rae Sapiga also finished with a double-double, her first of the year as she tallied 26 assists and 10 digs.
The Hounds offense turned in its most efficient set in the first frame, finishing with 13 kills on 28 total attacks and a game-high .250 attacking percentage. Eastern led early 3-2 before the Falcons rattled off three consecutive points and never trailed again as they took the set 25-17.
The second set saw nine ties and nine lead changes with both teams making runs before the other would regain the momentum. UTPB led 22-18 late before the Hounds mounted a 7-1 rally to finish the set capped off by three straight kills from Gannon as the Green and Silver would earn a well-deserved 25-23 victory in the frame.
ENMU struggled in the final two sets as they managed 18 kills but committed 17 attack errors on 75 total attacks for a .013 hitting percentage.
Sophomore M’Lee Vinson led the team defensively finishing with a team-high 14 digs while freshman middle blocker Gracelyn Stubbs turned in another impressive performance as she finished with a career-best 11.5 points on eight kills, a service ace and 2.5 blocks.
The Hounds pack their bags next week when they travel to Texas A&M International followed by Texas A&M-Kingsville. ENMU will take the court against the Dustdevils Friday, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. before facing the Javelinas at 1 p.m. the following day.
