SALT LAKE CITY -- The Westminster women's volleyball (8-16, 5-11 RMAC) returned to Behnken Field House on November 1 for the first of three home games to finish the 2017 season.  The Griffins swept the New Mexico Highland University Cowgirls (7-13, 4-11 RMAC), 3-0, defeating them: 25-17, 19-25, and 22-25.

The Griffins controlled the first set of the night.  The Griffins took the lead on the first point, off a kill by senior Amara Spere, and held on to it the entire set.  The Cowgirls kept the game within two and three points an 8-2 run by the Griffins stretched the lead to 19-12.  The Griffins had 15 kills and a .323 hitting percentage.

New Mexico tested Westminster's resilience and determination in the second set.  After a good start to the set, The Griffins found them in a tug of war with the Cowgirls.  Kills by five Griffin players kept the set close and eventually earned the lead at 15-14.  A red card to the New Mexico head coach gave a point to the Griffins and swung the moment in their favor as the went on a 6-2 run to finish the set 25-19.  

New Mexico led for 29 points in the third set and looked like they might get back into the match.  A timely service ace from senior Megan Gallegos tied the match at 15-15 and two attack errors by the Cowgirls swung the score in favor of the Griffins, 17-15.  It was enough of an opening for the Griffins to make it to the end of the set, 25-22, and win the match 3-0.

"I am really pleased with the composure we showed in set three when we got down 10-5," Head Coach Al Givens commented.  "There were some big, long rallies we were able to win.  Those are momentum points."

Senior Taylor Gustafson had a strong showing with a hitting percentage of .800, 33 assist, 13 digs, and two service aces.  Spere had nine kills, one solo block and five black assists.  Freshman Audrey Green continued to get kills with 19 on the night. Katie Hutchings contributed five block assists to the teams tally of nine blocks.

It's a quick turnaround as the Griffins return to the Behnken Field House November 2 at 3:00 PM against CSU-Pueblo Thunderwolves.  Tickets can be purchased online or at the door the day of the game.  The game will be broadcast on the RMAC Network and available on live stats.