Silver City, NM – Despite two key injuries early in the season, Western New Mexico University volleyball is in high gear as they sent home their eighth-straight opponent disappointed, only needing three games to do it. Visiting Grand Canyon felt the sting of Stephanie Higgins (Biggsville, IL/)' mega-kills 18 times Thursday night as the Mustangs beat the Lopes 30-25, 30-19 and 30-20 to move to 9-3 (0-0 Heartland Conference) on the season.

The Mustangs lost All-American Liz Narkon in the warm-up of their third game of the season, and Tirzah Armenta (Phoenix, AZ/Central High School), a sophomore transfer from St. Andrews College and the Carolina Virginia Athletic Conference Freshman of the year, two games later.

Higgins, a junior transfer from Ohio State, dominated the court again for WNMU Thursday with 18 kills. Jennifer Snowbarger (Oskaloosa, IA/Oskaloosa High School) made her home debut a smashing one as well, knocking home 14 kills on the night. Defensively, Higgins led the team with nine digs, followed by Meghan Watson (Kailua, HI/Kailua High School) and Courtney Heiser (Tempe, AZ/Marcos de Niza High School)'s eight. Heiser recorded 33 assists.

Tonyan Rooth and Emily Thomson led Grand Canyon with 8 kills each

"We came out a little tight because it was our first game at home, but we adjusted pretty quickly and established some momentum. Grand Canyon is a good team. "They went undefeated in their tournament, just like we did, so tonight's game will be a good tune-up for us as we head into conference play," said WNMU Head Coach Jim Callender.

The Mustangs host Dallas Baptist Friday night at 7:00pm in their Heartland Conference opener.