ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — And so it begins.
The University of New Mexico volleyball team opened its 2017 season on Tuesday, August 9, as the Lobos held their first practices of the season in Johnson Center on the main campus of UNM.
UNM, under 11th-year head coach Jeff Nelson, will have a series of practice sessions for the next couple of weeks as it prepares for the start of their regular season in later in August at the Cyclone Invitational in Ames, Iowa.
The practices, which generally are in the morning and early afternoon in Johnson Center, are open to the media and the public.
This week, the Lobos will take on three-day practices Tuesday (8 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.) and Thursday (9 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.), with two practices on Wednesday (8 a.m. and 2 p.m.) and Friday (9 a.m. and 2 p.m.). The team will also scrimmage Saturday at 2 p.m.
The Lobos welcome a number of new faces to the program this fall, with eight true freshmen. Overall, Nelson and his staff of JJ Glavan and Pauline Manser bring in nine new indoor players.
New Mexico does return some veterans, too, with senior Ashley Kelsey and juniors Victoria Spragg, Mariessa Carrasco, Carson Heilborn and Mercedes Pacheco.
Sophomore Lauren Twitty also returns for UNM as freshmen Nicolette Clark, Sarah Lobo, Kayla Long, Yasmin Tan, Hailey Rubino, Danica Rowan, Morgan Schreckler and Abbey Willison join the team.
Long Beach State transfer and Albuquerque native Carly Beddingfield (who played in the spring for the beach volleyball team) rounds out the indoor roster as the Lobos look to contend versus a strong schedule.
After a Cherry & Silver exhibition match on August 19, New Mexico opens its regular season against Nebraska Omaha at the Cyclone Invitational. UNM will also face Kent State and Iowa State that weekend before a road trip to El Paso, Texas, for the Glory Road Invitational.
The Lobos host their home opener on September 8 as they face off against UT Arlington, Portland and Northern Colorado for the Lobo Classic.
Fans can purchase the 2017-18 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 representative Joe Gehling at (505) 925-1620 or visit the Lobo Ticket Office located in Dreamstyle Arena.
Fans can follow @UNMLoboVB on Twitter and Instagram for information and updates on the team!