Zias handed sobering road loss

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — The Eastern New Mexico University volleyball team fell to 1-2 in a season-opening tournament at Colorado Christian on Saturday, losing to Western State (Colo.) 30-22, 30-19, 26-30, 26-30, 17-15.

The Zias, who defeated Chadron State in four games and lost to Upper Iowa in five on Friday, were slated to complete the tournament late Saturday night with a match against Colorado Christian.

After rallying from a two-game deficit, the Zias scored the first three points of the fifth game before Western State went on a 7-1 run. ENMU came back to take a 10-9 lead on freshman Caitlin Murphy’s service ace.

After Western State regained the lead, the Zias pulled even twice late in the match before committing consecutive attack errors decided the match.

Junior Jessie Macknicki had 19 kills and junior Randi Egley added 15 for the Zias. Macknicki added a team-high 14 digs.