New Mexico volleyball bounced back after dropping the first set — as well as its previous seven matches — to defeat in-state rival New Mexico State 3-1 in Sunday’s “Lobos Love Pink” match.
The Lobos (11-11, 1-7 Mountain West) lost the first game 25-20, but won the next three 28-26, 25-19, 25-23. In addition to ending their longest losing skid in over 10 years, the Lobos cooled off a hot Aggies squad (17-5, 7-0 WAC) that had won 11 straight.
“It’s about time,” Lobo head coach Jeff Nelson said. “That’s the way we should be playing ball.”
New Mexico had been longing for a victory, its last one coming on Sept. 22 against Air Force. UNM won only six sets over that span.
The biggest problem that seemed to cause the team to stumble was executing in crucial moments, but Sunday was a different story.
The Lobos showed great confidence and consistency against NMSU. They fought off one game point in set two and seized control on the way to winning three consecutive sets.
"We were tough when we had to be today,” Nelson said. “It’s a good win. There’s no two ways around it.”
The Lobos performed well in the intense first game, hitting .269 compared to .207 from the Aggies. It was not enough to overcome the familiar problem of closing sets when the score approached 20 points.
“We had a little break down at 19-18 in game one,” Nelson said. “ Carson (Heilborn) really struggled. We lost four points on set calls in game one.”
Losing four set calls indicated the Lobos suffered with setting in game one, allowing the Aggies to capitalize as they surged ahead on a 6-0 run. New Mexico State’s Sasha-Lee Thomas fired off two of her 15 kills on the day to spark the run.
The Lobos continued to struggle with setting in game two, but were able to overcome the issue. They escaped one game point when the Aggies led 24-23, and closed strong to take a tight set, 28-26.
UNM found its pace in set three with good organizes from the setter and three blocks from the middle line, helping the Lobos dominate 25-17.
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The Aggies did not give in as they tied things up at 23-23 in the fourth set. But the Lobos were able to close the door to win 25-23, and avoid a decisive fifth set.
“It’s a great rivalry — they are always good and the coaches (do their job) well,” Nelson said about NMSU. “It’s a good win.”
Setter Lise Rugland’s career-high 31 assists contributed greatly to UNM’s victory. After replacing Carson Heilborn in game two, Rugland changed the setting pace of UNM and helped get the team on track.
“Lise did a great job,” Nelson said. “She was super steady, not many mistakes, and got the ball to the right people.”
The Lobos also dominated the net, managing 13.5 total blocks to outperform the Aggies, who logged eight blocks.
“The biggest thing on there is blocking,” Nelson said. “13.5 (blocks) is a great number for four games and it’s not something we've been doing well. It was really nice to step up and do that well today.”
Victoria Spragg accumulated a career-high eight blocks, and Mariessa Carrasco pitched in four of her own to make up most of the team total.
Thanks to its solid front line, UNM outhit NMSU, .217 to .188.
Cassie House may have been the star of the team, hitting a match-high 16 kills with six errors while posting a .312 hitting percentage. Her three service aces, also a match-high, helped UNM keep the pressure on the Aggies.
Senior captain Julia Warren, still battling illness, was also strong, hitting .200 with 10 kills and three errors. She had no attack errors in the first three games, and her six digs contributed to the defensive line.
“Overall, she is about 80 percent,” Nelson said of Warren. “She is playing awesome, battling for us.”
Outside hitter Devanne Sours also added eight kills, one service ace and four blocks. Lobos libero Ashley Kelsey saved 16 digs from the floor to build up the defense.
Nelson said the Lobos started battling better and built some confidence. New Mexico will have a chance to build on the momentum with road matches against Boise State on Thursday and Air Force on Saturday.
Bo Yu is a sports reporter at the Daily Lobo. He primarily covers cross country and women’s volleyball. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Bo_YuB.
