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New Mexico vs. Boise State
New Mexico vs. Utah stateThe road warrior Lobos are finally back home.
For just the second week this season, the University of New Mexico volleyball team will be playing at home as it resumes Mountain West play with matches against Boise State on Thursday and Utah State on Saturday for its annual Whiteout match.
After battling to a productive split during their conference-opening road trip to No. 23 Colorado State and Wyoming, the Lobos (9-5) will be looking to build on their momentum when they welcome the Broncos (9-5) and the Aggies (10-4) to Johnson Center
“This is only our second time at home this season, so we’re really happy to be home,” UNM head coach Jeff Nelson said. “Our players are excited about it. They just keep getting better so I’m excited about what they do going forward.”
With the first week of MW action in the books, the Lobos find themselves in a solid position, with arguably the most difficult MW road trip behind them.
As it stands, New Mexico ranks right in the middle of the league, sitting tied for sixth in the 11-team conference. However, this weekend provides prime opportunity to the Lobos to move up the standings as they take on a pair of teams that sport 2-0 league records.
It’s a WHITEOUT this Saturday as the Lobos play Utah State. The first 500 fans get a Lobo Volleyball white out shirt! #GoLobos #UNMatched pic.twitter.com/vvpzWhXbY1
— UNM Volleyball (@UNMLoboVB) September 24, 2017
Continuing their strong play from last Saturday’s match at Wyoming is the key for New Mexico this week.
Against the Cowgirls, UNM dominated virtually every facet of the game, leaving Laramie with a sweep for the first time since 2010.
“It’s been traditionally one of our toughest places to play, but I thought we played really well and really steady,” Nelson said.
Lauren Twitty, the reigning MW Offensive Player of the Week, was instrumental to the Lobos’ efforts, racking up 25 kills over the three sets. Over her last three matches, Twitty is hitting .366 with 59 kills.
“Everyone once in awhile you get in a zone and everything you touch seems to find the floor and she was there,” Nelson said. “She had 20 kills after two games, and 20 kills in a whole match is amazing.”
Twitty ranks third in the MW in both kills/set and points/set, behind Boise State’s Sierra Nobley, the conference leader in both categories, and Utah State’s Lauren Anderson, the league’s No. 2 in both.
More strong play from other veteran players will be key as the Lobos look to make an early run in the MW.
Redshirt junior middle blockers Victoria Spragg and Mariessa Carrasco have both put together strong performances, ranking 1-2 on the team in blocks and top three on the team in kills.
Junior setter Carson Heilborn also posted a solid showing up in Laramie, dishing out 40 assists.
“Wyoming is where she injured her knee last year, so we were afraid she’d be pretty nervous up there,” Nelson said. “But she actually stepped up and looked pretty good and probably had her best match of the year.”
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| Hailey Rubino |
The return of freshman outside hitter Hailey Rubino is also important for UNM. Rubino returned against Wyoming after missing four straight matches with injury.
“I think another boost for us was our freshman, Hailey Rubino, who’s a really good player,” Nelson said. “She didn’t play Thursday night, but she was allowed to play back row on Saturday and played very well. … It was nice to have her back in there.”
All the Lobos will need to be clicking this weekend as they face off against two teams undefeated in the MW standings.
Boise State enters the second week of conference play with a 9-5 record, having won three straight — including sweeps of Fresno State and San Diego State to kick off the league season.
The Broncos, who were picked to finish second in the Mountain West after winning the 2016 conference title, have played a tough schedule, going five sets with then-No. 1 Minnesota and beating Missouri.
“They’ve played well so far,” Nelson said of Boise State, “but we feel like it’s a match that if we prepare well for them, we can really go after. We’re going to be very focused on Thursday night.
Utah State has started 2017 strongly, compiling a 10-4 record through the first five weeks of action. Although the Aggies haven’t played the toughest of schedules — their opponents so far have combined for a .410 winning percentage, 286th in the NCAA and last in the MW — they’ve won four straight heading into this week.
“They’re kind of the surprise team of the conference, along with us probably right now,” Nelson said. “They’re playing really well and doing some good things.”
First serve vs. Boise State is slated for 7 p.m. MT on Thursday at Johnson Center, with Saturday’s contest vs. Utah State schedule for 12 p.m. MT. Saturday’s match is also a Whiteout, with the first 500 fans receiving a free Whiteout T-shirt.
Fans can follow @UNMLoboVB on Twitter and Instagram for information and updates on the team!