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Thursday • 7 p.m. MTThe University of New Mexico volleyball team looks to pick up some momentum as it takes on a pair of midweek matches, capping its three-game homestand Tuesday vs. UNLV before traveling to play Utah State Thursday.
Due to the Mountain West’s uneven scheduling arrangement with 11 teams, the Lobos (10-9, 1-5 MW) will face their travel partner UNLV (16-2, 5-1) in Johnson Center before vying with a quick turnaround to play Utah State (7-10, 2-4) in Logan, Utah.
The Lobos are off on Saturday, October 15, before stepping out of league play to face Rio Grande Rival New Mexico State on October 16 for their “Dig Pink” match.
This week’s slate provides New Mexico a chance to rebound after dropping their fifth straight match.
This three-game homestand, which started vs. Colorado State last week, is arguably the team’s most challenging stretch of consecutive games in conference play, but picking up some wins in the next couple of weeks could elevate the Lobos in a balanced Mountain West.
Although some teams are starting to separate in the league, all but one team is at least within two games of a .500 overall record. The only team that isn’t is Utah State at 7-10.
Despite their recent slide, the Lobos have been competitive in all of their matches. Twice they stood on match point before falling, and twice (in both of their matches last week vs. Colorado State and Wyoming), they were either leading or were tied late in set one before eventually losing in straight sets.
New Mexico’s senior pinhitters will again be they key this week as the Lobos look to turn things around.
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| Cassie House |
Cassie House, who on Saturday vs. Wyoming became the 12th player in program history to reach 1,000 career kills, has been leading the Lobos during conference play. She currently owns the team lead in kills (75), total blocks (19), solo blocks (6) and aces (10) in MW play, and has led the team in kills in 15 of its 19 matches.
Devanne Sours will also be relied on for offense. She’s second on the team in kills on the year with 187, and has been a solid weapon for the Lobos, especially as Julia Warren continues to return from a knee injury.
Although Warren returned last week and played in the back row, the outside hitter/libero will likely be playing just in the back row as her knee continues to heal. The team captain, Warren has provided a measure of leadership for UNM, something the team missed during her three-game absence to start league play.
However, for the Lobos to earn some wins, they’ll need more consistent play from their setters, including starter Carson Heilborn and reserve Lise Rugland.
Defensively, New Mexico has been largely solid behind the play of starting libero Ashley Kelsey (301 digs), while middle blockers Victoria Spragg (71 blocks) and Mariessa Carrasco (53 blocks) have provided solid play at the net.
On the other side of the net, New Mexico will have to face off against some strong teams.
UNLV has experienced a tremendous season, racing out to a 16-2 record. UNLV’s only losses have been to then-No. 9 BYU and six-time defending Mountain West champs Colorado State in its last match.
Preseason All-MW selection Bree Hammel leads the Rebels with 261 kills and 27 aces, and ranks third on the team with 58 total blocks. Alex Patterson, another preseason all-conference pick, keys the Rebels’ offense with 748 assists (11.16/set).
UNLV owns a 22-15 lead in the all-time series, but since 2007 — Lobo head coach Jeff Nelson’s first year at UNM — the series is tied 11-11. The teams split the season series last year, but UNLV is 6-2 since 2012.
Utah State is currently the only team in the Mountain West more than two games under .500 overall, but they’ve handed Nevada its only conference loss this season. Utah State has been swept three times in league play.
Kayli Kamalu-Smith and Lauren Anderson are the 1-2 punch for the Aggies, as they sit with 199 and 193 kills, respectively. Hannah Gleason has logged a team-best 238 digs for a Utah State team that ranks fifth in the league is digs per set with 13.77.
UNM has dominated the series since the mid 1980s, winning 16 of the last 18 matches between the two schools. The Lobos have claimed the last five contests between the schools, all of which since Utah State joined the Mountain West. UNM’s last loss in Logan was in 1986
Fans can follow @UNMVolley on Twitter and Instagram for information and updates on the team!