The University of New Mexico Women’s Volleyball team had a rivalry match with the New Mexico State University Aggies on Tuesday, Sept. 16. NMSU came with fire, but UNM was not going to let go of their winning ways.
NMSU came for blood in the first set of the match, with the score being tugged back and forth between the two teams. With outside hitter Uliana Yastrub bringing in UNM’s first kill, the score quickly turned in favor of the Lobos. The first break was called with a score of 15-11 with the Lobos on top. Only seconds back into the game, middle blocker Zoe Leonard slammed down NMSU’s attempt at a point. A timeout was called by NMSU, as they were hurting from a 23-17 score. NMSU brought back the heat, creeping up on the Lobos, but the first set ended in triumph for UNM as they secured it 25-21.
The second set started, with the Aggies attaining a four point lead, up 8-4 but the lead wasn’t held for long before the Lobos started to catch up. UNM soon took the lead again with two consecutive attack errors by NMSU. UNM hit a rhythm with four kills, two from outside hitter Seenane Brewer and setter Addison France. Nearing the end of the set, UNM tried their best to win, but NMSU came out on top with a final score of 25-22.
The third set began with NMSU gaining the lead and, subsequently, Lobo Head Coach Jon Newman-Gonchar calling a timeout. UNM turned the tables, making the set score to 7-7 with an impressive block assist by Leonard. A tied score wasn’t enough for the Lobos to take over as the Aggies pulled ahead and won set three 25-19.
“Being in that moment, not being too worried about the score, not being worried about the past really, what those time outs are, are just a chance to remind us of what we can do,” Newman-Gonchar said.
Fire burned in the Lobos for the fourth set as France hit an impressive kill that NMSU failed to catch, scoring the third set point. Taking over, UNM’s lead grew to 14-9 as Angilau solo blocked NMSU’s kill attempt. UNM eventually won the set with a score of 25-19, making the match an even two wins each.
With the score being neck and neck in the final set, the entire stadium was on their feet. The crowd erupted when the final match point was scored with a kill by France, finishing the match with a set score of 15-11, and a match score of 3-2, the Lobos took the win over their cross town rivals.
“Honestly, it feels so good. It’s so fun to play with all these girls and our hard work and dedication shows up on the court,” Leonard said.
The Lobos went down to Las Cruces the next day, where the Aggies managed to flip the match result and walk away with a 3-2 set victory over the Lobos, who are 8-3 in the season after splitting the rivalry series and start their conference schedule on Thursday, Sept. 25 against yet another Aggie team, this time from Utah State University.
Marina Olmstead is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
