Preseason Coaches’ Poll | Preseason All-Mountain West Team
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The University of New Mexico volleyball team was selected to finish fourth in the Mountain West this season, as voted by the league’s 11 coaches in the MW Preseason Coaches’ Poll released Wednesday.
The Lobos return 12 letterwinners and three starters from their team that went 17-14 last season, and look to rely on seven native New Mexicans when they open their regular season next week in Albuquerque.
“I think we’ve got one of the strongest team we’ve had since I’ve been here,” 10th-year head coach Jeff Nelson said. “… I think this is one of the best shots we’ve had at winning the conference so we’ve got to go for it.”
However, the league will present a challenge for the Lobos, who finished fourth in the MW in 2015 with a 10-8 conference record.
Seven-time defending league champion Colorado State narrowly claimed the top spot in the coaches’ poll over Boise State, earning six of the 11 first-place votes and 96 total points to Boise State’s haul of four first-place votes and 92 total points.
Third-place Wyoming secured the final first-place vote and 80 total points, ahead of the Lobos’ 66-point tally. UNLV and San Diego State tied for fifth place with 64 points.
Finishing seventh to 11th respectively were Nevada (47 points), Fresno State (35), Utah State (28), San José State (21) and Air Force (12).
This is the Lobos’ ninth top-five selection in the preseason poll under Nelson. Last season, the Lobos were picked fifth.
After an alumni exhibition match on August 20, New Mexico opens its regular season against Abilene Christian on Friday, Aug. 26 at 12:30 p.m. The Lobos will also face Arizona State, Idaho and Fairfield during their opening weekend.
Tickets for the Arizona State match are $3 per ticket if purchased in groups of 10 or more, while all other tickets during the opening weekend are $5.
Fans can also purchase the 2016-17 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 representatives Joe Gehling at (505) 925-1620 or Andrew Aho at (505) 925-5526 or visit the Lobo Ticket Office located in WisePies Arena.
Fans can follow @UNMVolley on Twitter and Instagram for information and updates on the team!