The UNM volleyball team is keeping busy in the off-season.
The Lobos went 5-0 at their spring invite last weekend, defeating teams from the University of Denver, Frank Phillips College and an all-star team made of ex-college players.
Head coach Jeff Nelson said UNM is showing progression from last season.
"I think we are way ahead of where we were at this time last year," he said. "We improved a lot last season, but I think we have significantly improved in all areas of the game."
Nelson said part of the success is attributed to the team's collective experience.
"I'm really excited about the group," he said. "I think having that year of experience will be great for a lot of our younger girls. I'm really excited to continue working with the team."
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The Lobos return everyone from last year's team, including All-Mountain West Conference honoree Jeanne Fairchild and the MWC's Freshman of the Year, Lisa Meeter.
Fairchild, who played most of last season with a stress fracture in her foot, said she is no longer hampered by the injury.
"My foot isn't bothering me anymore," she said. "I have a few nagging injuries, but those will always be there. But overall, I'm feeling great."
Meeter said she is encouraged by the team's improvements.
"I think we're looking great," she said. "We've been working hard physically and getting through the mental blocks we've had last year. We're still a little rusty, but I think we'll be match-ready pretty quickly."
UNM continues its spring play this weekend, traveling to Denver to face Nebraska, Colorado State, Wyoming and Denver.
Last season, CSU was a top-25 school, and Nebraska was ranked in the top 10.
"We're absolutely stoked to be playing Nebraska," setter Jade Michaelsen said. "We're going to go all out and leave it all on the floor. It will be great experience to see what we can do against teams of that caliber."
The Lobos finish up spring competition with a trip to China from May 27 to June 7. UNM will face competition in Beijing and Shanghai during the 12-day tour.
Fairchild said the team is eager with anticipation for the tour.
"We're so excited," she said. "It's only two months away, and it's weird to think about it. As a team, as a big group, we're all going to China. It's surreal right now, but I think once we get there, it will all become real."
Volleyball at the Denver Spring Tournament
Saturday, all day
Denver, Colo.
