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New Mexico Volleyball Hosts 2017 Media Day

Coach Interview | Player Interviews

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — With the regular season just around the corner, the University of New Mexico volleyball team hosted its annual media day on Monday, ushering in a new season with a media conference.

Head coach Jeff Nelson and players Ashley Kelsey, Victoria Spragg and Lauren Twitty addressed the local media before the Lobos kicked off their second week of preseason practice in Johnson Center.

“Everybody thinks we’re so young, but there’s actually six kids that have had starting experience,” Nelson, the Lobos’ 11th-year head coach, said. “I don’t think anyone’s expectations should be any lower. I would expect this team to really fare well and be competitive with everyone.”

The Lobos welcome a number of new faces to the program this fall, with eight true freshmen joining the team. Overall, Nelson and his staff of JJ Glavan and Pauline Manser bring in nine new indoor players.

New Mexico has a handful of veterans returning in senior Ashley Kelsey and juniors Victoria Spragg, Mariessa Carrasco, Carson Heilborn and Mercedes Pacheco.

Kelsey, who ranks 11th in program history with 1,040 career digs, is one of four full-time starters returning for the Lobos, with Spragg, Carrasco and Heilborn also back.

Sophomore Lauren Twitty, who saw spot starting action last fall, also returns for UNM.

Newcomers joining the team include true freshmen Nicolette Clark, Sarah Lobo, Kayla Long, Yasmin Tan, Hailey Rubino, Danica Rowan, Morgan Schreckler and Abbey Willison.

Long Beach State transfer and Albuquerque native Carly Beddingfield (who played in the spring for the beach volleyball team and started for the 49ers) rounds out the indoor roster.

“I think we have a really good team chemistry, which is really refreshing to see,” Twitty said. “The freshmen are fitting in great with our team and are super energetic. There’s no nervousness really, which is different than what freshmen usually experience. So I think our team chemistry is awesome this year.”

After a Cherry & Silver exhibition match on August 19, New Mexico opens its regular season against Nebraska Omaha at the Cyclone Invitational. UNM will also face Kent State and Iowa State that weekend.

The Lobos remain on the road, playing UTEP, Youngstown State and North Dakota in El Paso, Texas, for the Glory Road Invitational.

New Mexico plays its first home matches on September 8-9 as they face off against UT Arlington, Portland and Northern Colorado for the Lobo Classic in Johnson Center.

“I think it’s a good schedule,” Kelsey said. “We start off playing Iowa State, so that’s going to be a really good challenge for us. And then we’re going to UTEP and Toledo, so places that are pretty far, but they’ll be good places for us to challenge ourselves.

“I think we’re going to surprise some people this year.”

Fans can purchase the 2017-18 Lobo Pride Pass for $50, which provides admission to every home volleyball match, plus all home women’s soccer, men’s soccer, softball, baseball and track & field events.

For more information, fans can contact Lobo Athletic Ticket representative Joe Gehling at (505) 925-1620 or visit the Lobo Ticket Office located in Dreamstyle Arena.

Fans can follow @UNMLoboVB on Twitter and Instagram for information and updates on the team!