ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University of New Mexico volleyball team will take a break from Mountain West action and start the week with the annual Rio Grande Rivalry, hosting the Aggies of New Mexico State Monday at 7 p.m. in Johnson Gym.
New Mexico State leads the all-time record between the two teams, 39-26. But the Lobos are 3-2 in the last five meetings with the Aggies. Last season, the Lobos defeated the Aggies in five sets at NMSU on September 23. The last win in Johnson Gym was on September 14, 2010 with the Lobos winning in five sets.
The Lobos had a tough week last week, dropping their two MW matches. They suffered a 3-0 loss to No. 6 Colorado State and a 3-1loss to Wyoming. The Lobos had a hard time getting their offense going as they hit .120 for both matches. They did put up 3.29 blocks per set but it wasn’t enough as their opponent hit .198.
Sophomore outside hitter Devanne Sours led the Lobos for the week, collecting a total of 27 kills (3.86 per set) with a .232 hitting percentage. She only had eight errors in a total of 82 attacks. She brought her best game against Wyoming on Saturday, recording a career-high of 18 kills.
Freshman defensive specialist Stephanie Chavez also put together a career performance in both matches. She tallied a total of 35 digs for the weekend with a career-high of 19 digs against Wyoming on Saturday. She also tallied 16 digs in Thursday’s match with Colorado State.
New Mexico is 11-8 on the season and 4-4 in conference play. On the season, the Lobos are .198 and are averaging 12.14 kills per set, 11.28 assists per set, 14.89 digs per set and 3.11 blocks per set. In conference play, the Lobos hitting .181 with 12.52 kills per set, 11.59 assists per set, 15.97 digs per set and 3.28.
The Aggies are currently 11-7 on the season with a 5-2 record in the Western Athletic Conference. They are hitting .214 for the season, averaging 12.88 kills per set, 12.06 assists per set, 14.80 digs per set and 2.57 blocks per set. Junior outside hitter Bradley Nash is leading the squad with 152 kills (2.41 kills per set). Junior middle blocker Gwen Murphy is leading the team in hitting percentage at .329.
For the year, the Lobos lead the Rio Grande Rivalry in all sports with a score of 6.0-0. The Lobos have won in women’s soccer, football and men’s golf so far.