Box Score

LAS VEGAS, N.M. – The Fort Lewis volleyball team (4-11 overall, 1-6 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) defeated New Mexico Highlands (8-8, 3-4) in four sets last night at the Wilson Complex, 16-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-20 to earn its first league win of the season.

“Tonight's win was a culmination of several weeks of hard work and dedication to develop our own identity,” said eighth-year FLC head coach Shelly Aaland.

Fort Lewis' offense featured a balanced attack that saw no single player hit for double-digit kills. Stephani Sonka led the way with nine kills and two blocks, while Jessica Wilson and Ashley Wells had eight kills apiece. Gladymar Echeverria, starting at middle blocker in place of the injured Kristin Stephan, had six kills, while her opposite middle, Taylor Frederking, had six blocks and five kills.

“With four true freshmen on the court, it's nice to see them get into a groove,” said Aaland.

One of those freshman – setter Ciara Krening – distributed 29 assists.

Hannah Starbuck (12 digs) and Jenna Kinzer (11 digs) led FLC's defense.

Highlands was paced by Darian Mullen (14 kills) and Sheila Olaechea (18 digs). The Cowgirls struggled to keep the ball in play, commiting 31 attack errors and 13 service miscues. NMHU hit just .094 as a team, compared to .137 for FLC.

The Skyhawks return to Whalen Gymnasium for homecoming weekend. FLC hosts Colorado State-Pueblo (9-6, 8-2) at 7 p.m. Friday and Western State (3-12, 0-7) at noon next Sunday.