ALAMOSA, Colo. - Adams State falls to New Mexico Highlands in a five-set thriller Saturday night in Plachy Hall.

Adams State went on to take control of set one early with a 9-3 lead. New Mexico Highlands would fight its way back to tie the set at 13. However, Adams State would not surrender the lead. The Grizzlies made a late push to defeat the Cowgirls, 25-19.

Set two was a tightly contested match throughout. Neither team led by more than three points during anytime of the set. The Cowgirls would end up taking the set victory over the Grizzlies, 26-24.

Set three had a similar playout to set two. Both teams came out swapping points. Neither team had seized control of the set until the very end. The set was tied at 22 when the Cowgirls went on a three-to-one run to close out the Grizzlies.

The score was tied at nine midway through the fourth set. Adams State put some distance away from New Mexico Highlands going on an eight-to-two run. The Cowgirls wouldn't fold as they would make a comeback to tie it at 24. The Grizzlies maintained their poise, rattling off the next two points to defeat the Cowgirls.

The fifth and final set turned out to be a set of runs. The Grizzlies jumped out on top early, 8-4. However, New Mexico Highlands would soon rally off five straight points to take the lead. Once again the set came down to the end with both teams tied at 16. The Cowgirls seemed to have a little bit more in the tank, escaping with the 18-16 victory over the Grizzlies.

Shannon Mulkey led the team with 22 kills. Grecia Diaz Martinez finished with a respectable 12 kills of her own. Once again Rachael Ringler led the team in assists with 52.

The loss drops the Grizzlies to a 6-10 record. Adams State is now 3-5 in RMAC play. Adams State will have a quick turn around with a game Tuesday, October 2 against Fort Lewis in Plachy Hall.