GUNNISON, Colo. – Western State Colorado University volleyball fell to New Mexico Highlands University Friday night on the road, 3-1 (7-25, 25-21, 16-25, 20-25).
 
After falling in the first set 25-7, Western (1-15, 0-7 RMAC) began their comeback against NMHU (5-7, 2-5 RMAC).
 
While the Mountaineers led for most of the second set, the Cowgirls were threatening late in the match. Western's lead was cut to 23-21, but a kill by McKenzie Price and a service ace by Bonnie Brode gave Western a 25-21 set victory.
 
The Mountaineers took care of the ball in the second set, limiting unforced errors. As a team, Western hit 29.4 percent in the set.
 
Price ended the match with five kills. Teammate Jordan Eatwell led the Mountaineers with nine kills.
 
Tied at one set apiece, Western and NMHU went to battle in the third set. Both teams exchanged points and were tied 10-10. A 5-0 run by the Cowgirls gave them some separation and would take the set 25-16.
 
With their backs against the wall in the fourth set, Western found themselves down 6-2 early in the set. However, the Mountaineers scored eight unanswered points to take a 10-6 lead.
 
The Cowgirls would retake the lead, but ahead just one point at 20-19, it was anyone's set to win. Unfortunately for Western, NMHU would come up with a few late points to take the set 25-20 and the match 3-1.
 
Western will continue the road trip Saturday against Colorado State University – Pueblo at 3 p.m. in Massari Arena.