Zias turn back Lady Falcons 5-3

Clarence Plank

Sophomore forward Brook Serrano scored two goals as Eastern New Mexico University posted a 5-3 victory over Texas-Permian Basin on Thursday at the ENMU pitch.

Junior midfielder Dani Thurman broke a 2-2 tie in the second half after receiving a pass from senior midfielder Calie Rush on a breakaway down the center of the field.

Zias coach Ray Nause said while the team had a solid day on offense, he was disappointed in the defensive effort.

ENMU trailed 2-1 early in the second half.

“We did some decent things (early), but we didn’t put the ball in the goal,” Nause said.

Serrano found an open net for her second tally, the eventual game-winner, off an assist from freshman midfielder Gerilyn Armijo.

Freshman forwards Sydney Tucker and Maurisa Jones also scored goals for the Zias (3-4).

The Zias had a 10-4 advantage in shots on goal over the Lady Falcons (3-4). Hannah Dozier scored two goals and Elyssa Hawkins had one for UTPB.

“We knew we were coming into an environment where we were going to have to play hard,” UTPB coach Dennis Peterson said. “When we scored the second goal, I thought we had some momentum and I thought we were going to be in good shape. Then we gave up a silly goal for the equalizer, and we were scrambling trying to do to much.”

ENMU volleyball team falls — ENMU gave Central Oklahoma a decent run for its money Thursday before dropping a 25-21, 25-17, 26-24 decision to the Broncos at Edmond, Okla.

Zuela Adom had 16 kills and Kristen Wilson added 12 kills and 16 digs for UCO (11-3, 3-0 LSC). Junior middle blocker Jessica King had eight kills and four block assists for the Zias (6-6, 1-2).

The teams battled through nine ties and four lead changes in the opening game. ENMU took a 21-20 lead on King’s kill, but UCO tallied the final five points of the set.

The Zias pared a 5-0 deficit to 7-4 in the second set, but UCO went on a 9-3 run to take control. Then there were 14 ties and eight lead changes in the third game.

ENMU broke a 20-20 tie with three consecutive points and led 24-22 after a kill by sophomore outside hitter Amber Durand. The Bronchos rallied with the final four points with Wilson getting two kills, including match point.

ENMU continues LSC play at 1 p.m. (MDT) Saturday against Southwestern Oklahoma at Weatherford, Okla