VOLLEYBALL HITS THE ROAD TO PLAY NEW MEXICO HIGHLANDS

The Eastern New Mexico volleyball team travels to face in-state rival New Mexico Highlands University on Tuesday, Sept. 7, at 6 PM in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

LAST TIME OUT

The Greyhounds faced a difficult challenge in their opening weekend at the 2021 Patriot Tournament. First, the Hounds faced tough losses against Arkansas Tech (3-0) and DBU (3-1). The trip ended with a close 3-2 loss to Westminster and a 3-0 defeat to #24 Wayne State.

Individually, Jasmine Gannon and Mikaela Garvin were both named to the 2021 Patriot Tournament All-Tournament Team.

SCOUTING THE HOUNDS

As a team, Eastern are averaging 9.8 kills/per set (k/s) in attack, while adding 8.6 assists/per set (a/s). On defense, the Greyhounds are finding 11.2 digs/per set (d/s), and providing 1.3 blocks/per set (b/s) at the net.

Gannon provides a spark on attack with 2.53 k/s, but leads the team defensively with 2.93 d/s. Rae Sapiga and Qitana Sapiga run the offense with 3.57 a/s and 3.27 a/s, respectively. At the net, Jordan O’Connor-Dempsey leads the squad with seven total blocks.

The Green and Silver defensively holds top-five marks among other Lone Star Conference (LSC) teams. The Hounds hold opposing teams to just 11.0 k/s and 10.2 a/s ranking fifth in both categories in the LSC. From the service line, the Greyhounds are fifth in the LSC in service aces/per set (sa/s) with 1.73 sa/s. The Greyhounds also stand third in the LSC in opponents digs/per set with 11.9 d/s.

SCOUTING THE COWGIRLS

The Cowgirls currently stand at 1-3 after a trip to the Southeastern Classic. New Mexico Highlands dropped their first three games of the tournament: Southern Nazarene (3-2), Central Okla. (3-0), and UT-Tyler (3-1). However, NMHU would end the tournament with 3-1 victory over Southeastern Okla.

As a team, NMHU is averaging 11.8 kills per set, with 11.1 a/s offensively. Defensively, the Cowgirls are posting 15.5 d/s and add 1.7 b/s up front.

Lisi Langi stands out on the offense with 3.1 k/s, followed by Stacy Johnson with 2.1 k/s. At the center of the offense is leading assist maker Meranda Romero, averaging 9.5 a/s. In defense, Elena Rivera averages 4.9 d/s, while Angellina Oliver guards the net with 8.5 total blocks.