PORTALES, N.M. – The Eastern New Mexico University volleyball team bounced back with a 3-1 (25-13, 20-25, 25-21, 26-24) win over Texas A&M-Kingsville on Friday night in front of a rowdy crowd at Greyhound Arena. With the win, ENMU improves to 3-7 on the young season and 1-1 in Lone Star Conference play.
Offensively, Sarah Tuioti-Mariner led the charge with 17 kills, while adding an ace and nine digs. Brooklyn Biel overcame her struggles from earlier in the week, finishing with nine kills, an ace, four digs and five blocks. Freshmen Jasmine Gannon also added nine kills, helping the Hounds to their first conference win of the season. Marissa Ellis (seven kills), Sadie Phimmasone (six kills) and Amanda Dietz (four kills) all made strong contributions for the Hounds. Senior libero Andrea Aguilar notched 23 digs, five assists and an ace while setters Alexis Aguirre and Kaitlyn Kluna combined for 43 assists
The Hounds established an early edge thanks in large part to a late run in the first set. Up 18-13, ENMU went on a 7-0 run to close the frame and take a 1-0 advantage. After a back-and-forth second set that went in favor of the Javlinas, Eastern again swung the momentum with a late rally. Down 19-20 in the third, ENMU strung together a 6-2 rally, including a 3-0 run to win it and move ahead in the match 2-1.
Things looked dire for the Green and Silver in the fourth set. After building a 22-19 advantage, the Javelinas regained the lead late with a 4-0 run. Both teams traded ties back and forth to 24-24 before an error by Kingsville’s Krystal Faison left the Hounds serving for the match. Aguirre made the set and Phimmasone closed out the match with a bang to give ENMU a 26-24 win in four sets.
ENMU is back in action on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at New Mexico Highlands. First serve against the Cowgirls is slated for 6 p.m. For all the latest news on the Greyhounds volleyball program, follow @greyhoundvball and @ENMUAthletics on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or visit GoEasternAthletics.com.
