2016 Alumni Match
When: Saturday at 6 p.m. MT
Where: Johnson Center in Albuquerque
Although the first official match of the 2016 season is still a week away, the University of New Mexico volleyball team will finally get on the court for a competition.
The opponents for this preseason exhibition: former Lobos.
New Mexico volleyball is hosting an alumni match Saturday, welcoming back some familiar faces to Johnson Center as the current pack of Lobos get a final tuneup before opening their regular season next week.
The match starts at 6 p.m. MT at Johnson Center on the main campus of UNM. Admission and parking are free.
This year’s Lobo squad will receive a stiff test in its lone exhibition of the year. The UNM alumni playing include former All-American Jeanne Fairchild and former All-Mountain West players in Gayle Tripp and Skye Gullatt.
Jordan Russell, Allie Suiter, Melissa Rohr, Ashley Newman, Tanna Taylor, Paige Tapp and current volleyball director of operations Elsa Krieg round out the alumni team.
The current Lobos under 10th-year head coach Jeff Nelson counter with a veteran roster, including seven native New Mexicans.
Leading the charge will be three talented seniors from New Mexico in Cassie House, Devanne Sours and Julia Warren.
Fellow New Mexicans Victoria Spragg, Mercedes Pacheco, Maddie Mayfield and Jane Cisar will also be looked upon for strong results in the Lobos’ unofficial preseason test.
The alumni match will also help Nelson and his coaching staff as they continue to build their opening-day roster. Setters Carson Heilborn and Lise Rugland are both battling for starting duties, while the libero position is a competition between a number of players, include Ashley Kelsey and Pacheco.
Although the starting lineup is unlikely to be solidified after Saturday, this clash between current and former Lobos will help this year’s team before they begin their regular season.
New Mexico opens its regular season against Abilene Christian on Friday, August 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!