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Volleyball Season Preview

Season Preview: 2025 Volleyball

9/4/2025 11:00:00 AM

By: Angela Roberts, Associate AD - Communications
DURANGO, Colo. – Skyhawks volleyball enters a new era in 2025 under the direction of first-year head coach Justin Wong. With a mix of seasoned veterans, talented newcomers, and a fresh coaching philosophy, Fort Lewis will open the season at the WNMU Invitational, a two-day, four-match showcase that will test the Skyhawks against regional opponents right out of the gate.

Getting 2025 Started
For Wong and his squad, the opening weekend represents more than just four matches—it's an opportunity to set the tone for a new chapter. The Skyhawks will measure themselves against familiar foes in New Mexico Highlands and Western New Mexico, while renewing acquaintances with Eastern New Mexico after more than a decade and squaring off with Sul Ross State, one of the newest members of NCAA Division II.

Two Days, Four Matches
The Skyhawks will face a demanding schedule, competing twice on both Friday and Saturday. Each matchup is classified as an in-region contest, meaning outcomes could carry weight later in the season when postseason resumes are evaluated.

Live stats and streaming (subscription required) will be available for fans following the action remotely.

Scouting the Opponents
New Mexico Highlands
The Cowgirls endured a rebuilding season in 2024, finishing 5-21 overall and 2-12 in RMAC play, landing them 14th in this year's preseason coaches poll. Despite the struggles, NMHU returns offensive threat Jaylee Gonzales, an Honorable Mention All-RMAC pin hitter who produced 214 kills last year. The offense runs through setter Abby Carlsen, who distributed 6.47 assists per set and returns for another season of leadership.
The Cowgirls added eight newcomers to supplement their nine returners, hoping depth will improve offensive consistency. In 2024, NMHU averaged 9.4 kills per set on .114 hitting while conceding 17.7 digs per set to opponents.
Fort Lewis holds the edge in the matchup, riding a six-match winning streak over the Cowgirls, including a pair of road victories last season.
 
Western New Mexico
As tournament hosts, the Mustangs will look to defend their home court and showcase improvement after a 7-21 (3-13 LSC) record in 2024. Picked 15th in the Lone Star Conference preseason poll, WNMU boasts three players on the "Players to Watch" list: senior outside hitter Carley Deck (87 sets played in 2024), freshman setter Kiara McDuffie, and transfer libero Mikelle McAfee, a proven defensive standout at the junior college level.

The Mustangs will also rely on a deep freshman class, with 11 newcomers expected to push for playing time. Offensively, WNMU averaged 11.4 kills per set last season on .176 hitting, while serving remained a strength at 1.6 aces per set.

The Skyhawks fell to WNMU in four sets a year ago and trail 10-21 in the all-time series, making this matchup a key early-season test.

Eastern New Mexico
The Greyhounds represent a new but familiar challenge, as the two programs last met in 2014. ENMU is under new leadership with head coach Karli Bustos, who arrives after five seasons at Trinidad State College. The Greyhounds posted a 5-22 record in 2024, going 2-14 in LSC play and finishing 15th in the preseason poll.

Offensively, Sophia Valdez (2.46 kills/set) anchors the attack, while defensive specialist Imahni Brown (3.84 digs/set) leads the back row. Freshman setter Jayla Yoder, a Farmington High School product, will be tasked with directing the offense.

Statistically, ENMU averaged 10.2 kills per set at a .133 clip while allowing opponents to swing .242. The Greyhounds struggled in serve-receive, conceding nearly two aces per set.

Fort Lewis trails the all-time series 2-5 but will look to even the ledger in their first meeting in over a decade.

Sul Ross State
The Lobos, still adjusting to NCAA Division II competition, finished 2-20 (2-14 LSC) in their debut season and were picked 18th in this year's preseason poll. Cassandra Espinoza returns as the top offensive option (2.17 kills/set), while setter Eliana Mata averaged 5.42 assists and 0.35 aces per set last season.

Defensive question marks remain after the graduation of key back-row players, though the roster includes several candidates ready to step into expanded roles. Statistically, Sul Ross averaged 9.7 kills per set while hitting just .088, with opponents doubling their block production.
 
The Skyhawks at a Glance
Replacing Offense
Fort Lewis will look to replace top scorers Alexis Hobie and Lauren Shea, but there is no shortage of returning talent. Junior Alina Nunez (2.51 kills/set) and senior Ella Butler (2.13 kills/set, .226 hitting, Honorable Mention All-RMAC) bring proven scoring ability. Junior Jordan DeJesus adds firepower, averaging 3.09 kills per set in limited action last season.

Defensive Depth
Defensively, the Skyhawks are anchored by libero Emery Pomroy, who recorded 3.36 digs per set, supported by Nunez (2.43 digs/set) and senior Chloe Ruhl (1.78 digs/set). At the net, redshirt sophomore Averie Dembickie headlines the blocking unit after averaging 1.11 blocks per set in 2024. Butler and senior Ivy Schoditsch add veteran presence at the net.

New Faces
Seven newcomers will push for immediate roles. Transfers Ellie Ames (MB, Trinidad State) and Adalyn Garn (S, Southern New Hampshire) bring collegiate experience, with Garn earning All-Rookie honors in her debut season. The freshman class features outside hitters Caleigh Sommers (Castle Rock, Colo.), Cabria Freymuth (Carrollton, Texas), and Caroline Munson (Gilbert, Ariz.), along with defensive standout Alyx Daugherty (All-Region Defensive Player of the Year, Highland HS) and setter Arianna Reyna (1,683 career prep assists).

Around the RMAC
Fort Lewis was picked 11th in the RMAC Preseason Coaches Poll, tallying 59 points. MSU Denver, the reigning league power, enters as the favorite with 13 first-place votes and 194 points. Colorado Mesa (183 points, 2 first-place votes) and Colorado Christian (162 points) round out the top three, followed closely by South Dakota Mines and CSU Pueblo.
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