Zias drop another five-setter in finale

For the second day in a row, the Eastern New Mexico University volleyball team couldn't close the deal.

ENMU grabbed a 2-0 lead over Texas A&M-Kingsville, then saw the Javelinas rally for a 21-25, 21-25, 25-22, 25-14, 15-10 win on Saturday afternoon in the regular-season finale for both teams at Greyhound Arena.

On Friday, the Zias (6-24, 1-19 LSC) lost in five sets to Incarnate Word.

Kelsey Felux had 16 kills while Bethany Friesenhahn added 12 kills and 12 digs for the Javelinas (17-13, 9-11).

Junior outside hitter Lindsey Barron and junior middle blocker Kaitlyn Maddams, who combined for 54 kills in Friday night's loss, had 20 kills each against Kingsville. Junior libero Hayley Couch posted a match-high 33 digs while sophomore setter Kennedi Catano had 49 assists.

ENMU trailed twice early by a point in Game 1, but took the lead for good at 5-3 on three consecutive kills by Maddams.

The second set seesawed until two Kingsville attack errors and an Emily Lubbers ace, putting ENMU in front 18-15. The Javs tied it briefly before the Zias finished it on consecutive kills by Maddams, Barron and Portales freshman Macy Mitchell.

The Zias led much of the early third set before Kingsville took control with 6-0 run featuring six consecutive kills — the middle four by Felux — for a 16-12 lead. After ENMU pulled to 23-22 later, Felux and Friesenhan had back-to-back kills for the Javelinas.

Kingsville scored the first three points in the fourth set and never trailed, using an 8-2 run to open a nine-point cushion. The Zias had a pair of two-point leads in the fifth set, but back-to-back aces by Washington pushed the Javelinas in front for good at 8-6.