SAN MARCOS, Calif. – The Eastern New Mexico volleyball team fell to Bentley and CSU San Marcos Saturday evening in the final day of the Cougar Classic.
The Hounds lost their first match of the day in three set fashion (22-25, 18-25, 18-25) to Bentley before wrapping-up the tournament with host CSU San Marcos as the Cougars won the game in four (14-25, 21-25, 25-19, 20-25).
Eastern played its best set against Bentley in the first frame finishing with a .308 attack percentage in a back-and-forth matchup that saw 13 lead changes.
Outside hitter Jasmine Gannon turned in a solid performance as she finished with 12 points with nine kills, a service ace and a pair of blocks. The junior also proved to be a capable defender as she finished tied for the team-high with eight digs. Setter Rae Sapiga also recorded eight digs to go along with her 13 sets, three aces and a kill.
In the second game the Cougars jumped out to a two-set advantage before Eastern took the third and pushed the match to the fourth frame. The Cougars limited the Hounds to a .127 attack percentage as the home team held on for the win.
Opposite side hitter Sarah Tuioti-Mariner led the squad with 8.5 points as she totaled six kills, two aces and a block assist. Rae Sapiga and freshman Qitana Sapiga each finished with 16 kills and a pair of aces.
The results move the Hounds to 1-3 on the season as they prepare for another road trip, this time traveling to Denton, Texas as they compete in the Pioneer/Patriot Invitational. The Green and Silver will play four teams in two days beginning with Sioux Falls on Friday, Sept. 13 at 9 a.m.
