AUSTIN, Texas — Eastern New Mexico volleyball started the match hot but was unable to secure a victory as it fell to St. Edward’s 3-0 (17-25, 18-25, 18-25) Saturday afternoon.
The Hounds were able to capture the first four points of the match capped off by back-to-back kills from junior middle blocker Julie Tucker. Eastern looked to be in control as they lead 8-6 midway through the frame before the Hilltoppers rattled off nine unanswered points before taking the set 25-17.
ENMU jumped out to another early lead in the second frame with a 6-2 advantage before late runs from St. Edwards halted the Hounds momentum. The Green and Silver struggled to regain their lead as they finished the frame with a .071 attacking percentage and only managing eight kills.
Eastern turned in a match-high 14 kills on a .219 attack percentage in the final frame however the Hilltopppers’ efficient offense proved too much for the Hounds.
Junior outside hitter Jasmine Gannon led the team with nine kills while sophomore setter Rae Sapiga did a good job setting up the offense as she totaled 20 assists. Sophomore libero M’Lee Vinson totaled a game-high 17 digs as she led the squad defensively.
Freshman middle blocker Gracelyn Stubbs turned in a career performance as she finished with season-highs in kills (5), points (8) and blocks (3).
The Hounds will look to capture their first conference victory next week when they travel to Canyon, Texas to face rival West Texas A&M on Oct. 1 at 5 p.m.
