Nov. 13, 2008
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The University of New Mexico volleyball team picked up its 20th win of the season at Clune Arena on Thursday night, beating Air Force 25-12, 25-9, 25-14. It is the first time since 1994 that UNM has had a 20-win season. The Lobos are now 20-6 overall and 10-5 in Mountain West Conference play.
Jeanne Fairchild recorded five of her team-high 16 kills in the first set as UNM pulled away from the Falcons in spurts to beat AFA, 25-12.
In the second set, Jade Michaelsen served the Lobos from 8-3 to 18-3, ending the run with one of her career-high four service aces in the match. Not to be outdone, Allison Buck served the Lobos to 20-5 with her third service ace of the match, tying her career-high. Anna Lehne picked up a solo block at 23-9 and combined with Kelly Williamson to seal the set, 25-9.
UNM took a 9-2 lead in the third set and never allowed Air Force back in the set. Fairchild had seven kills in the third set.
The Colorado contingent of Lehne (Pueblo), Allie Suiter (Littleton) and Lisa Meeter (Colorado Springs) combined for 13 kills, one assist, seven digs, and 11 blocks in front of a large group of family and friends.
Jade Michaelsen led the Lobos with 31 assists, while Gayle Tripp had 19 digs.
The Lobos end the regular season with a three-match homestand, beginning Friday, Nov. 21 against MWC travel partner TCU. Match time at Johnson Center is set for 7 p.m. UNM finishes the regular season Thanksgiving weekend by hosting New Mexico State and Virginia Commonwealth in the Comcast Challenge, Nov. 28-29.