Coming off back-to-back victories over the University of Nevada and San José State, the UNM volleyball team takes on San Diego State in California on Thursday.
The team is currently first in the Mountain West Conference, standing with a 5-1 conference record. Lauren Twitty, an outside hitter for the Lobos, is currently in the top five for kills in the MWC with 252 kills in 72 sets for the season and 3.50 k/s.
San Diego is seventh in the conference standings with a 3-3 record. With both teams currently holding a winning streak under their belts, the Lobos come into the match with strong statistics backing them.
Consistent libero for UNM, Mercedes Pacheco, holds a 174 total dig record, putting her in 6th for digs in the MWC. Outside Lobo hitter Victoria Spragg is ranked top ten in the conference for hitting with a .312 hitting percentage.
The Lobos currently hold a .198 attack percentage, following close behind the Aztec’s .204 attack percentage.
In a press luncheon on Tuesday, Jeff Nelson, head coach for the Lobo team, described the conference standings as being separated into “top and bottom” teams. Nelson expressed his happiness with the Lobo’s record and chalks the success up to playing good volleyball.
At the luncheon, Nelson recognized San Diego State as a tough and athletic opponent. Despite the challenge the Lobo’s face competing against the Aztecs, the team plans face it head on and hope to come out with their fifth win in a row.
“There’s a lot in front of us right now but we’re getting good performances,” Nelson said about his players.
“We’ve really moved up, I like what were doing,” the head coach expressed and believes the stats speak for themselves.
Coach Nelson is counting on the numbers to back the team for the much-anticipated game in front of them.
The match kicks off in San Diego Thursday, Oct. 11, at 7:00 p.m. Mountain Time.
Alanie Rael is a freelance sports reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be contacted by email at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @AllyRael.
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