The UNM volleyball team isn't getting much rest in the off-season.
After traveling to the University of Arizona on March 28, the Lobos hosted the UNM Spring Invite this weekend at Johnson Gym.
UNM went 6-0 during the tournament, defeating teams from UTEP, West Texas A&M, New Mexico Military Institute, in-state rival New Mexico State and an all-star team of ex-college players.
The win against NMSU marked the end to a 12-year losing streak against the Aggies.
"That win was huge for us," setter Jade Michaelsen said. "We came so close to beating them last season. It was nice to finally get that win against one of our biggest rivals."
Head coach Jeff Nelson said the Lobos are picking up where they left off in the fall.
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"We looked good out there," he said. "We've still got some things to work on, but I'm happy with our level of play and commitment to winning each point."
Last season, UNM was 22-7 overall and finished third in the Mountain West Conference. Senior Jeanne Fairchild earned All-American honors, and senior Gayle Tripp was named the MWC's Libero of the Year.
"We lost some key players to graduation," Nelson said. "We're working to find people to fit into new roles on the team. But I'm happy with everyone who is stepping up to fill some of those voids."
Fairchild, Tripp and Sarah Kwasigroch joined 2002 graduate Vanessa Shields and assistant coach Lisa Beauchene on the all-star team and fell 3-1 to the Lobos on Friday night.
"It was surreal playing for the alumni team," Fairchild said. "Seeing Jeff coaching against us and our teammates on the opposite side of the net, I looked over to Gayle and said, 'Are we really doing this right now?'"
UNM continues its spring schedule, traveling to University of Nevada-Las Vegas on April 18 for an all-day tournament.
Outside hitter Rose Morris said she expects UNM to keep getting better with practice.
"We're working out some of the kinks in our games right now," she said. "We'll only continue to get better and better from here. I can't wait to see who we are bringing in as recruits this year because that adds another element to the team, too."
The Lobos will also host the third annual Grass Bash on April 26. Defensive specialist Allison Buck said the event, a fundraiser for charity, is an opportunity for fans to compete against Lobo players.
"I'm excited for a full day of volleyball on Johnson Field," she said. "There's different divisions for all levels and abilities. It's just fun for everyone, and it's a great way to end our spring training schedule."
Up Next: Grass Bash
April 26, All day
Johnson Field
