Volleyball Hosts Cherry vs. Silver Exhibition Saturday
After two weeks of playing against each other in practice, the Lobos will do it again on Saturday.
But, unlike the numerous practice sessions over the last two weeks, this one has a little more significance with the first official matches of the season kicking off next week.
The University of New Mexico volleyball team is hosting an intrasquad Cherry & Silver match on Saturday in Johnson Center as the Lobos look to get a final tuneup before opening their regular season next week.
The exhibition starts at 6 p.m. MT in Johnson Center on the main campus of UNM. Admission and parking are free.
With the Lobos’ season opener vs. Nebraska Omaha set for next Friday in Ames, Iowa, 11th-year head coach Jeff Nelson is aiming for experience as his current Lobos duke it out.
New Mexico volleyball about to drop the most fire album of 2017. #GoLobos pic.twitter.com/bOP8iNbWrr
— UNM Volleyball (@UNMLoboVB) August 17, 2017
For New Mexico’s talented group of veterans, this match will serve as a refresher, providing some game action after a long break from volleyball.
But, with eight true freshmen and nine newcomers overall, the Lobos can greatly benefit from some game experience, even in the form of an intrasquad match.
In years past, this match has provided young players their first taste of a game-like atmosphere, with officials, sideline coaching and fans.
UNM’s crew of freshmen have tremendous upside, with many battling for playing time in the regular season.
All eight true freshmen — including Nicolette Clark, Sarah Lobo, Kayla Long, Yasmin Tan, Hailey Rubino, Danica Rowan, Morgan Schreckler and Abbey Willison — have made plays throughout the Lobos’ preseason practices, and this gives them one more audition for prominent roles.
Transfer Carly Beddingfield, an Albuquerque native that played for the Lobos’ beach volleyball team in the spring, has also impressed on the hardwood.
Conversely, New Mexico’s veteran cast of players has performed well during the preseason.
Returning starters Ashley Kelsey, Victoria Spragg and Mariessa Carrasco have all taken on the mantle of team leaders, while rising sophomore outside Lauren Twitty has slid into a starring role at the pins.
Juniors Carson Heilborn and Mercedes Pacheco have also shown well as the Lobos looks to meld all their youth with their veteran leadership.
After the Cherry & Silver exhibition match, New Mexico will head to Ames for the Cyclone Invitational. Along with the season opener vs. Omaha, UNM will also face Kent State and Iowa State next weekend.
The Lobos will then remain on the road, playing UTEP, Youngstown State and North Dakota in El Paso, Texas, for the Glory Road Invitational on September 1-2.
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.
Along with the Saturday’s intrasquad exhibition, the Lobos will also welcome back their alumni for an alumni vs. alumni match at 4 p.m.
Alumnae confirmed for Saturday’s contest include current assistant coach Pauline Manser, current director of operations Elsa Krieg, Ashley Newman, Melissa Rohr, Chantale Riddle, Julia Warren, Allie Askew, Andrea Sanchez, Ashley Rhoades, Tanna Taylor, Allie Suiter and Amy Freund.
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!