The UNM volleyball team spikes into action this weekend as it hosts the Lobo Classic at Johnson Gym.
After weeks of grueling practices and scrimmages, the Lobos will make their 2008 season debut against Central Arkansas today.
"As a team, we look really good," said Jeanne Fairchild, one of 10 players returning for UNM this season. "We've all been hitting the gym and putting in that extra effort. We started out with two-a-day practices, and now that we're in school, we go to class and then come in and play volleyball all afternoon."
Sophomore outside hitter Lisa Meeter wrote in the team's blog at GoLobos.com that the players' days "have literally consisted of eating, sleeping and playing volleyball."
"We're definitely working hard," said Meeter, last year's Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year. "I think there are a lot of expectations for us as a team this season. We are setting a lot of goals, and we are determined to achieve them."
UNM is coming off one of the most successful seasons in recent history. The Lobos notched 16 overall and seven conference wins last year, the most since joining the MWC in 1999.
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"I think last year has to be put on its own," Meeter said. "We enjoyed the success, but I think we learned a lot from it. We can definitely build on it."
Sophomore setter Jade Michaelsen said the team's collective experience will be its greatest strength this season.
"A lot of us have a year or more of college experience under our belts," she said. "It gives us a lot more comfort on the court. We'll have some added confidence that I think we sometimes lacked last season."
UNM also has six new additions to its roster this season, including setter Amy Wong, who transferred from Virginia Commonwealth, and outside hitter Kelly Williamson, who played on the Argentine Junior National Team.
"(Defensive specialist) Allison Buck is another freshman who will make significant contributions this season," head coach Jeff Nelson said. "She is a steady passer and has a great serve. The other freshmen bring size and athleticism to the team. We'll have a lot of depth on the bench this year."
In addition to size, the Lobos will also debut a beefed-up defense.
"We've been working a lot on our defense," said senior Gayle Tripp, who needs 362 more digs to surpass Sharon Browning for the top spot of most career digs as a Lobo. "Our passing and defense is stronger, and it will help with our all-around game."
The Lobos, who were picked to finish fourth in preseason polls, will not be satisfied until they are on top of the MWC standings come November.
"We want to finish first," Fairchild said. "We have a lot of great competition this season that will prepare us for the ultimate goal of making the NCAA Tournament."
