STEPHENVILLE - Tarleton received an extra day of practice this week in preparation for its upcoming three-game road trip, which includes a stop on Canyon against No. 14 West Texas A&M Saturday.

The TexAnns are currently riding a three-game home losing streak which cost Tarleton ground in the Lone Star Conference standings.

With Saturday's 3-1 loss to Abilene Christian, the Wildcats jumped Tarleton to take over third place behind No. 17 Angelo State and WT.

Tarleton, however, has an opportunity to get back on track Saturday against a struggling Eastern New Mexico team.

The Zias are just 5-18 on the season and a mere 1-5 in Portales, where Thursday's game takes place.

ENMU has been weak on the front line this season, totaling just 939 kills over 84 sets, an average of 11.18 per set. On defense, the Zias front line defense has just 106 total blocks (35 solo, 142 assists).

(Note: Tarleton middle Nikki McNorton has 139 total blocks alone, 39 solo and 100 assisted.)

ENMU's only win against a conference opponent came Sept. 9 when the Zias topped Texas A&M-Kingsville in five sets at the West Texas A&M tournament.

After Portales, the TexAnns will head to Canyon where they host West Texas A&M, who the TexAnns beat for the first time in 89 matches when the Lady Buffs came to Stephenville Sept. 17.

Since WT's loss to Tarleton, the Lady Buffs have won 12 out of 13 matches with their only loss coming to No. 7 Central Missouri in the South Central Regional Crossover Tournament in Pittsburg, Kan. Oct. 1.

West Texas is landing 14.2 kills per set this season and have blocked 213.5 attacks while having only 133 blocked on the season.

Tarleton's first set with Eastern New Mexico begins Thursday at 6 p.m. CST and live stats can be viewed at GoEasternAthletics.com.

For more information on Tarleton volleyball, please visit TarletonSports.com.