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New Mexico vs. Youngstown State
New Mexico vs. North DakotaWith a handful of matches under their belts, the Lobos are heading down I-25 to add a few notches to their belts.
The youthful University of New Mexico volleyball team returns to action on Friday looking to build on a promising first weekend of competition as it heads to El Paso for the Glory Road Invitational hosted by UTEP.
After posting a solid performance last week to open their season, the Lobos (2-1) are aiming for continued improvement as they face off against Youngstown State (4-0), North Dakota (4-1) and UTEP (0-3) in Memorial Gym.
“I’m looking forward to building as a team,” sophomore outside hitter Lauren Twitty said. “I think every game that we play, we’re getting better. I think that’s going to be a huge step.”
Fielding a young and new-look roster, New Mexico showed well during its opening weekend, winning two of three matches at the Cyclone Invitational in Ames, Iowa.
It was a promising opening act for the Lobos, who have nine freshmen — and just one senior — on their roster.
UNM’s lone senior, Ashley Kelsey, anchored the team’s back-row defense last week, nabbing 45 digs (5.00 per set) en route to a spot on the Cyclone Invitational All-Tournament Team.
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| Ashley Kelsey |
Kelsey also moved into the program’s top 10 in career digs, currently sitting eighth all-time with 1,085 digs.
However, the team’s single senior wasn’t the only productive Lobo in Iowa, as a number of veterans turned in strong showings.
Twitty has taken over as the team’s primary offensive weapon at the pins, logging a team-best 34 kills. She also chipped in nine total blocks to tie for the team lead.
Along with Twitty, redshirt junior middle blockers Mariessa Carrasco (22 kills, nine total blocks) and Victoria Spragg (21 kills, .385 hitting percentage and six blocks) also played well at the net.
Junior setter Carson Heilborn also tallied a strong showing in her return from knee injury, registering 88 assists (9.78/set) and 11 kills.
Additionally, one newcomer made a tremendous impact for New Mexico in her collegiate debut, as Hailey Rubino posted an effective all-around stat line of 22 kills, 27 digs and a pair of aces.
Continued progress from the team will be key this week as New Mexico heads to El Paso.
Although not household names, their opponents at this week’s tournament provide another challenge for the Lobos as they strive to build team chemistry in the early goings.
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| Carson Heilborn |
Youngstown State sports an spotless 4-0 record, sweeping the Eagle Challenge last week in Morehead, Kentucky, before topping Robert Morris at home. The Penguins are undefeated through four matches for the first time since 2014.
North Dakota, an NCAA Tournament team from 2016, opened up their 2017 season with four straight wins, sweeping the Rebel Invitational hosted by Ole Miss. The Fighting Hawks did fall Sunday at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, but will play twice more (vs. New Mexico State and UNLV) before playing at the Glory Road Invitational.
UTEP is a more familiar foe than the Lobos’ other two opponents — UNM has played YSU once, UND never — with New Mexico holding a 34-8 all-time record. The Lobos beat UTEP 3-2 last September in Arlington, Texas.
The Miners opened their season winless, falling to Montana and Tulsa in Denton, Texas, before dropping a five-set match to Texas Tech on Wednesday.
Fans can follow @UNMLoboVB on Twitter and Instagram for information and updates on the team!