LAS VEGAS, New Mexico — The Adams State Women's Volleyball team secured a 3-0 sweep over New Mexico Highlands on Tuesday evening at the John A. Wilson Complex, winning 25-21, 25-23, and 25-16. With the victory, the Grizzlies improved to 6-7(2-1 RMAC).
Adams State opened the match with a competitive first set, using a balanced offensive attack securing 11 kills on 38 attempts for a 0.158 hitting percentage. Adams State's defensive pressure in the first set was also a massive piece as the Grizzly defense forced 11 Cowboy errors. The balanced attack between strong offense and great defense led to a Grizzlies 25-21 win in tonight's first set.
In tonight's second set, the Grizzlies continued their momentum edging New Mexico Highlands 25-23 to take a 2-0 lead. During this second set, the Grizzly offense really took over as Adams State secured 17 kills in the set finishing with their best overall hitting percentage of the night finishing at 0.267.
The Grizzlies closed out the match in dominant fashion in the third set, posting a 25-16 victory to complete the sweep and secure their second RMAC win of the season. In the third set the Grizzlies secured 14 kills on a 0.243 hitting percentage for yet another dominant offensive performance to put tonight's match away.
Freshman Sienna Markovich led the Grizzlies offensively, recording a team-high 11 kills on 23 attacks while hitting .391. Markovich also contributed 10 digs and 11 total points in the victory.
Following the strong performance of Markovich was fellow Freshman Aubrey Rothermich who continued her strong offensive play, finishing with nine kills on 18 attacks while hitting .278. The Alamosa local added four total blocks and 11.5 points, helping provide a consistent offensive presence throughout the match.
Katie Bauer delivered an efficient performance at the net, recording eight kills on 13 attacks with no errors for an impressive .615 hitting percentage. Bauer also contributed four total blocks and 11 points.
Lizzie Macintosh added seven kills, one service ace, and five total blocks to lead the Grizzlies in total points with 12. Rowan Tribelhorn also contributed tonight, adding four kills and five total blocks finishing tied for the team lead in blocks with Macintosh.
Isabella DeLaRosa led the Grizzlies with 17 assists adding a serving ace, while Ellie Miller added 16 assists of her own as the two contributed 33 of the Grizzlies 37 total assists.
Defensively, Ashlyn Jones led Adams State with 11 digs, followed by Markovich with 10 and Miller with nine. The Grizzlies held New Mexico Highlands to a .057 team hitting percentage, including a -.051 mark in the third set.
Overall, the Grizzlies finished the match with 42 kills on 120 attacks, hitting .225 as a team. Adams State also recorded 37 assists, five service aces, and 18 total blocks.
Looking Ahead
The Grizzlies will return home this Saturday, September 19th, for their first RMAC home match of the season against the Colorado School of Mines. The match is set for 6 p.m. MST at Plachy Hall in Alamosa, Colorado. Currently sitting at 2-1 in RMAC play, Adams State will face a strong test as they look to carry their momentum into a strong opponent in Colorado School of Mines. Saturday's match will also take place on Adams State's Homecoming night, making it a special occasion for the Grizzlies and their supporters. Come out to Plachy Hall this Saturday to support Adams State Volleyball as the Grizzlies look to secure their third consecutive victory.
