CNJ staff
LAS VEGAS, N.M. — Senior middle blocker Jessica King had 18 kills and junior outside hitter added 12 kills and a team-high 19 digs Tuesday as Eastern New Mexico University’s volleyball team defeated New Mexico Highland 26-24, 18-25, 25-17, 25-20.
Junior Evelyn Escobar notched 10 kills for the Zias (4-12), who improved to 45-21-1 all-time against Highlands.
ENMU coach Mike Maguire did not make the trip due to illness, but is expected back on the sideline when the Zias kick off a four-match homestand at 7 p.m. next Tuesday against Lone Star Conference rival West Texas A&M.
Dominique Benton and Jazmine Harge each posted 10 kills for the Cowgirls (7-7), while Sheila Olaechea had team-bests of four aces and 25 digs.
The Zias pulled out a nip-and-tuck first set, but Highlands broke out of a 15-15 tie with a game-ending 10-3 run in the second set to pull even. ENMU erased an early 1-0 deficit in the third set, building a 19-9 margin after three consecutive Highlands attack errors.
The fourth set was tight early on, but back-to-back Kills by Durand put the Zias in front for good 10-8. ENMU opened a 23-17 lead on a kill by Escobar, and closed it out on a Highlands service error on match point.
