Lobos Downed by UNLV in MW Opener
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico Volleyball fought to extend its first match of the conference schedule at home against UNLV (8-4) Thursday night at the Johnson Center, but ultimately fell in four (22-25, 17-25, 25-22, 16-25) to drop to 7-4 overall and 0-1 in Mountain West play.
Lauryn Payne posted a new career-high in kills for the second time in her last three matches with 17 to lead UNM’s attack — she’s now led the Lobos in kills in four consecutive matches and has done so in nine of UNM’s 11 matches — with Kialah Jefferson (11) and Jada Bouyer (10) both cracking double-digit kills as well. Jefferson finished with 13 digs for her fifth double-double of the season, as did Madeleine Miller, who produced 31 of the Lobos’ 40 assists to go with 13 digs of her own for a team-leading sixth of the year.
Even after UNM managed to suppress the Rebels’ attack after an explosive 21-kill opening set, UNLV hit .235 on the match to snap UNM’s four-match streak holding opponents below the .200 mark while keeping the Lobos to .127 hitting.
Madison Blanco led the Lobos in digs with 15 — the first time she’s surpassed double-digits in her career — while serving up another ace. Falanika Danielson also added 13 more to tie with Miller and Jefferson for second-most — her eighth match in a row with double-digit digs.
🏐 Highlights from @UNLVvball‘s 3-1 win at New Mexico#MakingHerMark | #MWVB | #BEaREBEL pic.twitter.com/Y6vOFXCkCZ
— Mountain West (@MountainWest) September 27, 2024
They’ll get a chance to get back in the win column and split the weekend on Saturday when they host San Diego State (9-2, 1-0 MW) at the Johnson Center. That match will be streamed via the MW Network at GoLobos.com/Watch, with live stats and all other matchday essentials available at GoLobos.com/FollowVB. Follow @UNMLoboVB on IG, X and Facebook for match coverage, promotional information, updates, behind-the-scenes content and more.
SET ONE – NEW MEXICO 22, UNLV 25
SET TWO – NEW MEXICO 17, UNLV 25
SET THREE – NEW MEXICO 25, UNLV 22
SET FOUR – NEW MEXICO 16, UNLV 25