Box Score

DURANGO, Colo. — Strong serving propelled the Fort Lewis College volleyball team (11-5 overall, 5-3 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) past Western New Mexico University (6-6, 4-3) in straight sets tonight, allowing the Skyhawks to leap past the Mustangs into first place in the RMAC West Division.

Fort Lewis triumphed in three sets for the second night in a row, beating Western New Mexico 25-22, 25-17, 25-16.

The first set, in particular, was a see-saw affair that saw sloppy play hinder the Skyhawks. Serving proved the difference, as FLC notched four aces in the set. It helped them overcome the fact that Western New Mexico had 17 kills and a .234 hitting efficiency, compared to just 12 and .205 for Fort Lewis.

“I thought the serving in the first set actually made the difference,” said FLC head coach Shelly Aaland. “Their offense is dominated by their outsides, and we had some disruptive serves that didn't allow them to get their middles and right sides involved.”

The Skyhawks recorded nine services aces on the night, including five by defensive specialist Heather Bryant, who also added 12 digs.

“Heather has always had a really good serve,” said head Aaland. “Now she's getting more confident in her defensive position.”

Once FLC's hitting and blocking heated up, the second and third sets were finished in relatively easy fashion. FLC improved its hitting to .324 during the second set and to .424 during the third.

Jessica Wilson FLC with 10 kills, 15 digs and two aces. Taylor Hillberry and Chelsea Flaming each had nine kills, while Jenna Kinzer added 16 digs and Adriana Saiz had 33 assists.

Western New Mexico was paced by Natali Murdock, who had 14 kills. Alyssa Meihack had 25 assists and 17 digs.

Fort Lewis hosts Adams State (5-10 overall, 2-5 RMAC) at 7 p.m. Friday in Whalen Gym before hitting the road for a 4 p.m. matinee at Mesa State (9-6, 4-3) on Sunday, October 12.