Box Score

SILVER CITY, N.M. – Western New Mexico (8-6 overall, 3-2 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) defeated a spirited Fort Lewis (3-11, 0-6) team in four games tonight at Drag's Court, 25-12, 23-25, 25-23, 25-21.

“We played really well,” eighth-year FLC head coach Shelly Aaland said of her young Skyhawks. “I think it's the best we've done in a while.”

Aside from the first set, in which the Mustangs dominated, Fort Lewis pushed WNMU to the brink in the next three sets.

“There are so many things about our game that really came together tonight,” said Aaland. “Stephanie Sonka played really awesome tonight.”

Sonka, a freshman right side hitter, led the way for FLC with 14 kills and a .387 hitting percentage. Senior outside hitter Jessica Wilson notched 12 kills and a .243 attack percentage, while sophomore middle blocker Taylor Frederking had 10 kills and three blocks.

“Ciara Krenning's energy was fantastic tonight,” Aaland said of her freshman setter, who finished with 33 assists and helped FLC record 50 kills and a .209 hitting percentage.

Sophomore libero Jenna Kinzer notched 25 digs to lead FLC.

“They're such a scrappy team that was really defensive-minded,” Aaland said of the Mustangs, who upset Top 10 Metro State two weeks ago.

The Mustangs were led by Angelina Pulu (22 kills, .395 hitting percentage, 11 digs), Alyssa Melhack (53 assists, 12 digs), and Heather Rux (15 kills, .324). As a team, they recorded 66 kills, a .276 hitting efficiency, and 73 digs.

The Skyhawks wrap up their two-game New Mexico swing at 7 p.m. Saturday, when they face New Mexico Highlands (8-7, 3-3).