The UNM volleyball team didn't get the fairy-tale ending it was hoping for.
But 2008 was a Cinderella season for the ladies in cherry and silver.
After picking up their 22nd victory on Saturday against Virginia Commonwealth with a 25-12, 25-18, 25-14 sweep, the Lobos could do little except sit back and cross their fingers Sunday.
The Lobos were hoping for one of the 33 at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament in a field of 64 teams. Thirty-one automatic bids are given to conference champions.
Unfortunately, the golden ticket never came.
"I'm disappointed we didn't make it," head coach Jeff Nelson said. "There's no way we're not one of the best 64 teams in the country right now."
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With or without the postseason berth, 2008 marked many milestones for the UNM volleyball program.
The Lobos finished the season 22-7. The 22 wins are the most for any UNM team since 1991.
The Lobos also finished third in the Mountain West Conference, behind No. 21 Utah and No. 19 Colorado State. The Lobos' 11 conference wins were the most since joining the MWC in 1999.
Senior Jeanne Fairchild was named co-MWC Player of the Year, and senior Gayle Tripp earned co-Libero of the Year honors.
Fairchild said the Lobos were close to getting an at-large bid.
"It was our goal all season to make it to December, and we didn't," she said. "But for me, I think we had a great season. We just didn't capitalize when we had the opportunities. If we had pulled out one or two of those close games, we'd probably be in the tournament."
Perhaps it was UNM's 0-6 record against Top-25 opponents. With several close calls on the season, the Lobos dropped a five-set heartbreaker to No. 25 New Mexico State on Friday.
Still, the Lobos had quality wins. They beat Big East regular-season champion St. John's on Sept. 12.
Nelson said he is most disappointed for his senior class.
"Our seniors will not get to play in the tournament," he said. "I feel like they've earned it. They deserve it. They're quality talent, and that's what you want. You want the best players playing in the NCAA Tournament at the end of the season."
However, nothing can change the Lobos' record-breaking year.
Fairchild's 13 kills Saturday moved her into third place on UNM's career-kill list with 1,236, surpassing two-time All-American Pauline Manser. The fact that Fairchild had only a three-year career with the Lobos after transferring from San Diego further highlights that achievement. Also, Fairchild's 4.81 kills per set ranks third best in the nation.
"What can be said about Jeanne that hasn't already been said?" Nelson said. "She played like an All-American all year and played a big part in our offense this season."
With nine digs Saturday, Tripp moved into third place on the MWC career-dig list with 1,578. The achievement comes after Tripp became UNM's career-dig leader on Nov. 6 against Colorado State.
Senior Sarah Kwasigroch added 12 assists and stands in seventh place on UNM's career-assists list with 2,634.
Nelson said the three seniors provided a steady foundation for the team this season.
"Gayle provided a lot of energy and excitement, and Sarah has been a rock in the back row," he said. "All three of them bring different qualities to the team that we really needed. It's been an honor to coach each of them."
The Lobos also reached new highs for attendance. They ranked in the national top 25 for volleyball attendance and averaged more than 1,500 fans per home game.
"We're so thankful for all the fan support this year," a teary-eyed Fairchild said after Saturday's match. "Your support means the world to us."
Nelson said he sees the beginning of a great program at UNM.
"We set all kinds of records this year, and our attendance has quadrupled in the last two years," he said. "There are so many positives, and we are going to build on them until they have to let us in."
