After one of its biggest wins of the season, the UNM volleyball team ran into a roadblock Saturday.
Displaying little of the energy they showed in Thursday's sweep of No. 21 BYU, the Lobos were defeated 3-1 by Utah on Saturday.
The loss puts the Lobos at 13-3 overall and 3-2 in the Mountain West Conference.
The Utes topped the Lobos 25-21, 28-26, 13-25, 25-21 in front of 1,884 fans at Johnson Gym.
"We came out flat," head coach Jeff Nelson said. "We had some of the worst energy in games one and two that we've had all season. It's really disappointing."
Senior outside hitter Jeanne Fairchild notched a game-high 24 kills, including her 1,000th kill as a Lobo in the third game, to put the Lobos up 21-11.
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But it wasn't enough to lift UNM to victory.
"Certain positions weren't getting their jobs done," Fairchild said. "It's not good enough for three or four people in a six-person game to show up and give it their all. As the match progressed, we started getting better. But against a good team like Utah, you can't put yourself in that kind of hole."
In addition, the Lobos had trouble containing Utah middle hitter Lori Baird, who had 21 kills and 10 blocks.
"She's a great player, and we knew she would get a lot of sets," Nelson said. "We didn't lose the match because Lori Baird had a great match. We knew she would have a great match. We also knew Jeanne would have a great match. That's just what great players do."
Nelson said UNM didn't stick to its game plan.
"We lost the match on some basic things," he said. "We didn't hit our serving zones for about half the match. And we had to have better performances in the middle. We needed our middles to start right away."
The match marks Utah's seventh consecutive win over UNM, a record Nelson said is significant.
"I honestly just don't think our team expects to beat Utah," Nelson said. "It's part of the learning process in getting better and moving up. It's time to get it done. I don't care if it is only season two (of my coaching tenure)."
Senior libero Gayle Tripp had 25 digs, and sophomore setter Jade Michaelsen dished out 47 assists.
However, Nelson said the Lobos still have some growing to do.
"We're very disappointed that we still haven't learned the lesson that you have to bring it every night," he said. "I thought Gayle and Jeanne had great matches, but as a senior and as a leader on the team, you have to inspire your teammates to have great matches."
UNM hopes to rebound on the road against Wyoming on Thursday, a team that has been tough on its home court.
Last year, the Lobos swept the Cowgirls at home, only to travel to Laramie, Wyo., and lose 3-0.
"I don't know what it is about their gym," Fairchild said. "It's just a different atmosphere. It puts you in this weird funk and makes you focus and work that much harder. But we're going to put the time in this week, and we'll be ready for them."
