Each week, Nelson said his squad has improved with its hitting percentage and the ability to dig balls off the ground to keep play alive. Although the Lobos are nationally ranked in blocking, the head coach said immaturity tends to sneak its way into offensive play, especially in the latter part of games.
“From our standpoint, we need to manage things better on our side of the court,” Nelson said. “We don’t win with one swing or lose with one swing.”
In the 12 non-conference matches, UNM ranks second in the Mountain West in blocks (89), fifth in digs per set (14.14) and is ranked second holding teams to a .137 hitting percentage.
“Our blocking numbers are outstanding. Individual blocking numbers are outstanding,” Nelson said. “We’ve got to continue to work hard and elevate those numbers.”
The three blocks per set that New Mexico is averaging is good enough for ninth in the country and trails only UNLV, a team averaging 3.09 blocks per set.
Sticking to the game plan the entire match is a requirement for the New Mexico volleyball team to be successful during conference play, Nelson said.
In the opening weeks of the season, UNM hasn’t had the luxury of getting settled while on the road. Nelson said the team arriving early at San Jose State will have the opportunity to catch a breath rather than getting off the plane, lacing up and jumping into games.
“Opening weekend gives us time to get over any conference nerves we might have,” Nelson said. “We’ve got to play until the last whistle ... I think we have an opportunity to be really successful.”
Nelson said accumulating playing time and wins will help bolster the team’s confidence and will help with the growing pains through conference play. He said the team has a lot of players returning, but the unit is still young.
Illness and minor injuries have prevented Nelson from fielding a healthy team on the court. He said the team is finally overcoming sicknesses and will be ready for conference play.
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“Everybody feels ready to go,” Nelson said. “I think we’re starting to play better ball. We’re starting to get healthy. We have a little more time to get grounded and do what we need to do.”
UNM competed against San Jose State on Thursday night in a late game that opened up Mountain West play.
In Saturday’s match against Nevada, UNM’s blocking will need to be on point in order to slow down middle blocker Tessa Lea’ea. The senior led the Wolf Pack in kills, hitting percentage, points and blocks.
UNM is 4-0 all-time against Nevada. Nelson has never lost to Nevada, gathering an unblemished 7-0 record in his 19 seasons as a head coach.
Liam Cary-Eaves is a sports reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Liam_CE.
