by Brandon Call
Daily Lobo
The Jeff Nelson era is underway for the UNM volleyball team.
Nelson made his coaching debut in style Saturday as the Lobos swept the UNM alumni team 30-12, 30-24, 30-14 in an exhibition match at Johnson Gym.
Even though the match did not count against UNM's record, junior Jeanne Fairchild said the players took the match seriously.
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"It was a blast playing against the alumni," she said. "It's really nice to have them come back and have a lot of fun with us. There isn't any sort of rivalry; it was all in good, competitive fun."
Nelson said his team showed enthusiasm from the first serve.
"I think our team came out really well and got after it tonight," he said. "I was excited about that. They had a lot of energy. We played low-error ball in Game 1, and that allowed us to get on top. I was afraid that they would be nervous, but they went out there and had some fun."
Fairchild put down 19 kills to lead the Lobos offensively, 10 of which came in Game 1.
Nelson said Fairchild played exceptionally well.
"Jeanne did everything we expected of her tonight," he said. "She looked like the All-American that we know she can be."
The Lobos were also paced by some new faces, as redshirt freshman Jade Michaelsen dished out 37 assists, and freshman Lisa Meeter notched nine kills and eight digs on the night.
Nelson said he was glad to see new talent emerging for the Lobos.
"We have a lot of talented freshmen," he said. "Giving them the opportunity to get some time on the floor and getting over their jitters makes a huge difference. They are really stepping up, and I'm excited about that."
Across the net, UNM's opposition was comprised of 10 ex-Lobo players, including 1988 All-American Karen Saavedra-Warnock. Saavedra-Warnock, who now coaches high school volleyball in Colorado Springs, Colo., had 14 assists for the alumni.
She said she was excited to be on the volleyball court again.
"It's always fun to play on the home court with a bunch of friends and family cheering you on," she said. "Just being an old fogey and competing with those young guns was a blast."
The alumni were also led by 2000 graduate Jessica VanLannen, who recorded a team-high eight kills. Casey Kaveny, a 2003 grad, contributed four blocks, while 2004 alumna Adah Burke added 10 digs.
Burke said the Lobos are headed in the right direction under Nelson.
"This team looks better than any other team in the last five years," she said. "New coaches, a lot of new players - they looked really good out there."
The alumni aren't the only ones who welcome the changes to the program. Fairchild said she has seen a complete turnaround under Nelson.
"I think that the team has come together really well," she said. "Ever since Jeff has started working with us back in the spring, there has been this great aura. Everything has changed 180 degrees for the better. The team has gotten so much closer. We are working so much harder, and we have so much love for the game."
The Lobos kick off their 2007 season as hosts of the MCM Elegante Classic on Friday and Saturday. UNM faces Florida Atlantic in the opening match of the four-team tournament.
Nelson said he is looking forward to another week of hard work from his team.
"I think we are going to have a good week," he said. "We are taking Monday off with classes starting, but we are going to go hard Tuesday and Wednesday to get ready for next weekend."
