ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico volleyball team and head coach Jeff Nelson announced on Tuesday the 2018 volleyball schedule that features a matchup with Nebraska, the defending NCAA champions.
The Lobos, who posted a 16-16 record in 2017, have put together a challenging schedule for the 2018 season that provides a number of opportunities to continue developing a diverse and burgeoning roster.
“The schedule offers us a lot of very good volleyball,” Nelson said. “We return all of our starting hitters. We have added great setting and I think we are getting some good leadership out of our seniors right now. We are all really looking forward to the fall and excited for a great season.”
New Mexico will take on a schedule that features four matches against teams that made the 2017 NCAA Tournament — including a trip to Nebraska in mid-September — to go with three non-conference road tournaments and the annual Lobo Classic in Albuquerque.
The schedule is highlighted by its matches against postseason teams, as the Lobos face off against the five-time NCAA champion Huskers and Missouri State during non-conference play and Colorado State during Mountain West play.
New Mexico opens the season at Idaho, playing Santa Clara, Grand Canyon and the Vandals in Moscow, Idaho, on August 24-25.
Check out our 2018 schedule that features our annual Lobo Classic and a trip to Nebraska, the defending NCAA champs! #GoLobos pic.twitter.com/xBABz04hsF
— New Mexico Volleyball (@UNMLoboVB) May 15, 2018
Nelson and company then return to Albuquerque as they host the Lobo Classic at Johnson Center on August 31 and September 1. New Mexico will take on a strong slate of teams in Florida Gulf Coast, Eastern Kentucky and in-state rival New Mexico State.
“Opening weekend in Idaho will give us two very strong programs in Idaho and Santa Clara and a much improved Grand Canyon,” Nelson said. “Our home event is very strong with FGCU and New Mexico State along with EKU.”
The Lobos will return on the road the following weekend as they play Furman, USC Upstate and North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida, on September 7-8.
UNM closes out tournament play at the Nebraska Invitational in Lincoln, Nebraska, as the Lobos play the Huskers, Missouri State and Central Michigan in the raucous Devaney Center.
“Weekend four at Nebraska is very challenging, not only with great teams but also playing in a very exciting environment at Nebraska,” Nelson said.
Mountain West play will start on September 20 when New Mexico hosts Utah State. As per the conference’s unbalanced scheduling arrangement, the Lobos will play twice against eight league opponents and just once against USU and Boise State.
Key conference matches include UNLV on September 26, Colorado State on October 18, Wyoming on October 20 and Senior Day vs. San Diego State on November 10.
“The conference will be very strong in 2018,” Nelson said. “Wyoming, Colorado State and San Diego State look to be the early favorites, but the conference is strong top to bottom this year and every night will be a challenge.”
The Lobos will also host an exhibition match vs. Fort Lewis on Saturday, August 18 at 2 p.m. in Johnson Center.
Dates and times for all of the matchups will be finalized as the season draws closer.
Fans can follow @UNMLoboVB on Twitter and Instagram for information and updates on the team!