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By Mariessa Carrasco
Sophomore-to-be, Middle Blocker
The clouds were low early this cold Tuesday morning as we finished our breakfast, hopped on the bus and made way through the country side to a winery Pauline suggested. We also went to a chocolaterie where delicious chocolates, truffles, “freckles” (sprinkles) and the richest of ice creams were sold. I think it is fair to say that we all could have eaten everything in that chocolate shop. It was a delectable experience with 360 degree, million dollar views of the hills.
Afterwards, we made our way back to the hotel for a quick lunch break before our last match here in the land down under against Croatia! The match at the Dandenong Volleyball and Basketball Centre was a great learning experience playing against some of the biggest and best players in the world. It was also interesting playing against a team that did not speak any English on the court, and that definitely had a different type of culture even in the sense of volleyball. This being our last game before our season in the fall, it was nice afterwards to sit back and think about what the future has in store for the Lobos. With the good play that we had these past few days against great competition, we’re happy to have been able to represent Lobo Nation and ready to work for conference play.
In their final match vs. a national team on their trip, the Lobos fell to the Croatian national team 3-0 on Tuesday, 25-13, 25-16, 25-22.
“Croatia was a really strong, physical team that really pushed our block and their block stressed our hitters,” UNM head coach Jeff Nelson said. “It was a really great experience for us to play such an amazing national team.”
Prior to Tuesday, The Lobos defeated the New Zealand national team 3-0 on Sunday and and the Australian national team 3-1 on Monday.
Fans can follow the team’s Facebook page (University of New Mexico Volleyball) and Twitter (@UNMVolley) to keep track of the Lobos during their trip.