Fort Lewis College volleyball will have to wait just a bit longer to find out if they will make the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Tournament for the first time since 2013 after getting swept by New Mexico Highlands on Saturday night in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
The Skyhawks (9-12, 9-8 RMAC) ended a five-game winning streak when they narrowly lost in three sets, 27-25, 25-22, 25-21.
Senior outside hitter Haley Christiansen paced the Skyhawks, as she recorded a double-double with 11 kills and 14 digs. Bailey Longacre led FLC with 16 kills and finished with the team’s highest hitting percentage at .419 percent.
After the Skyhawks took a 20-19 first set lead, they came within on point of snatching the set, as they led 24-22. However, the Cowgirls (8-17, 6-11 RMAC) won six out of the final seven points in the set to stun the Skyhawks, 25-27.
In the second set, it was another tight battle as the teams went back-and-forth. The Cowgirls led 20-19 and won five out of the final seven points to get the second set win, 25-22.
The final set was also just as close, but the Skyhawks were unable to close a four-point lead in the middle of the set and the closest they got was two. The Cowgirls won the final three points to earn a three-set win, 25-21.
Getting in to the RMAC Tournament will have to wait until the final match of the season. Adams State defeated Colorado State University-Pueblo in four sets Saturday in Pueblo, which means the Grizzlies will come to Whalen Gymnasium one game back of the Skyhawks at 8-9 in the conference, while FLC is 9-8. The Skyhawks have won their last six consecutive matches at Whalen Gymnasium.
The Skyhawks will look to wrap up a conference bid at 7 p.m. Friday.
bploen@durangoherald.com
