ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— The University of New Mexico volleyball team, under the direction of new head coach Jon Newman-Gonchar, will play three spring matches this April with two throughout the state, as announced on Monday.
On Friday, April 5, the Lobos will face New Mexico Highlands at Sandia Prep at 6:30 p.m. to start the spring schedule. Tickets will be $5 at the door.
Two weeks later, on April 19, the Lobos will compete against NAU at the Fighting Scouts Event Center in Fort Defiance, Ariz., also at 7 p.m. The following week, UNM will travel to Ruidoso High School in Ruidoso, N.M., for two matches against the New Mexico Military Institute and UTEP to complete the spring slate.
“We are very excited to get our team out into the community and play against some great regional opponents,” Newman-Gonchar said. “I am eager to get our team out competing in these environments.
“The spring competitions give us a great early look at our team, it allows to evaluate the work we are doing every day in the practice gym and most importantly, it allows us to challenge ourselves going on the road and competing. We can’t wait to see Lobo Fans out supporting our team this spring.”
Beyond the scheduled spring matches, Lobo fans can catch the volleyball team at the annual Grass Bash to be held on Saturday, April 20 at the Johnson Fields on the campus of UNM. Fans, students and community members alike can sign up in teams to compete at the one-day event with plenty of options for all ages and skill-level.
The girls and co-ed divisions will open the Grass Bash at 8 a.m. and go until 1 p.m., while the women’s and men’s divisions will take place from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. The cost is $25 per adult and $20 per student (with valid ID) if registration occurs before April 13 and $30 per adult and $25 per student for those that register after April 13 or walk-up. To register, click HERE.
For those looking for summer camp options, the Lobo Volleyball Camp allow kindergartners up to high school students a chance to learn from and interact with UNM coaches and players.
For those entering grades kindergarten through fifth grade, Little Lobos Camp will be offered Monday, June 17 to Friday, June 21 from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Individual Skills Camp will also take place from June 17 to June 21 with a 9 a.m. start and goes until 4 p.m. and is tailored for those entering grades five through eight.
There will be a total of three camps in July, starting with the New Mexico Setters and Libero Academy from July 7 to July 10, designed for those entering seventh through 12th grade. Setters will be trained in every aspect of setting, from technique to strategy. Liberos will be taken through several series of ball control drills and proper technique in serve receive and defense. Groups will be divided according to skill level. Campers will have the option to be a resident camper or a commuter camper, with resident campers staying in a dormitory on the UNM campus.
Advanced Skills Camp will take place following that from Wednesday, July 10 to Saturday, July 13 for grades seven through 12. The coaching staff will focus on individual and team play, while working on the fundamentals of setting, passing, hitting, serving, serve reception, defense, and court coverage. Along with focusing on fundamental skills, coaches will focus on practical knowledge of a particular position and strategy during game play. Campers can also choose between commuter and resident options for this camp.
The final camp offered over the summer will be a New Mexico Cherry and Silver Team Tournament from Friday, July 19 to Sunday, July 21. This camp is designed for high school teams looking to compete prior to their preseason training. All teams will participate in tournament play starting in the morning or afternoon of July 19th. Varsity, JV and C team divisions will be offered and includes a minimum of eight matches.
To register, or find out more information, visit HERE.