by Dorian McKenzie
Daily Lobo
At 5 feet 2 inches, she may not be the tallest player on the team.
But what Gayle Tripp lacks in height, she makes up for in talent.
Tripp, the libero and defensive specialist for the Lobo volleyball team, uses her high-speed serves and digs to help the team when it needs her most.
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When UNM defeated UTEP 3-1 in the Comcast Lobo Invitational on Friday night, Tripp played a big part, head coach Kelley McKee said.
"(It) was a good example of what she can do day in and day out," McKee said. "She did a good job serving."
During Friday night's game, Tripp had a career-high 29 digs and one of the best games of her collegiate career.
"(The) game was so much fun," Tripp said. "It was probably my best game so far. I was on cloud nine. It was fun. They were a good team, but it was a really good game."
Tripp graduated from Rio Rancho High School and always dreamed of becoming a Lobo, she said.
"I love it," Tripp said. "It's cool, because I've always been a Lobo fan and supporter."
Tripp has become a key player and an asset to her team. She has earned her role as a starter and hardly ever comes out of a match.
Last season, she played in 103 of the 109 games.
She also led the team in digs with 268.
Although Tripp has improved her game, both her and McKee agree that she needs to work on a few things.
"She's trying to find her way to be really consistent," McKee said.
Tripp agrees but said her experience has helped her.
"I feel more comfortable being a sophomore," Tripp said. "Hopefully it will get better, but I'm still trying to be really consistent."
The Lobos have a young team this year, with Kelly Therkelsen being the lone senior. The team is still learning to work together, but Tripp said she has big expectations for it.
"Our chemistry is getting better and better," she said. "We have a lot of new people. It's a whole new lineup from last year with only four to five returners on the court. It's hard, but we're getting better, and we're coming together."
