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Without a doubt, the Lobos have faced the gauntlet over the last week, taking on four matches since last Thursday as they wind down their season.
But, with one match left in the season, there’s still much to play for.
The University of New Mexico volleyball team looks to close out its season on a high note as it heads up to Colorado Springs to face Air Force on Wednesday in its 2017 finale.
Finishing their campaign with five matches in seven days, the Lobos (16-15 overall, 7-10 Mountain West) are aiming for one more win as they take on the Falcons (12-17, 5-10) at the Cadet East Gym on the grounds of the US Air Force Academy.
With a victory over Air Force, New Mexico will guarantee a winning season for the ninth time under head coach Jeff Nelson.
A win could also potentially push the Lobos up to fifth in the Mountain West, with most of the conference capping their season on Saturday.
Currently, UNM is eighth in the MW, just a half game out of sixth and 1 ½ games from fifth.
However, with the end of the season right around the corner, playing one more strong match is the goal.
Winners of two straight, the Lobos have managed to come together and get some solid performances across the board despite fighting through a difficult final stretch of the season.
Redshirt senior Ashley Kelsey has provided a number of those performances over her final few matches as a Lobo. She passed 1,500 career digs and moved into third all-time in that statistic in the team’s Senior Night sweep of UNLV.
Additionally, redshirt juniors Mariessa Carrasco and Victoria Spragg have provided stability at the net, with freshman Sarah Lobo continuing to helm UNM at the setter position.
Air Force enters the match ranked 10th in the MW, but has shown well under second-year head coach Marc Swindle — a former New Mexico men’s volleyball player and volunteer assistant with the Lobo women’s team.
The Falcons, whom the Lobos have beaten in 23 straight matches, have wins over San Diego State, Boise State and Utah State this season.
Fans can follow @UNMLoboVB on Twitter and Instagram for information and updates on the team!