The Lobos, still finding their rhythm after some difficult conference matchups, were outmatched in a 3-1 loss.
In a match charged with energy from the first serve, the University of New Mexico women’s volleyball team met the University of Wyoming Cowgirls on Saturday, Oct. 4. Set one started off strong for the Lobos with setter Madeleine Miller earning the Lobos an ace for the first point. The Lobos went on a five point run from there, setting an early, hopeful tone. Leading the offensive push, setter Addison France totaled four kills in the first set, forcing the Cowgirls to adjust to her attacks.
The Lobos surged in the beginning of the first set, but as it progressed, the Cowgirls matched UNM’s energy, turning the set into a back and forth rally. Even with Wyoming pushing back, the Lobos refused to give up the advantage, staying in the lead the whole frame. The first set closed out with the Lobos winning 25-19.
Opening the second set, middle blocker Zoe Leonard wasted no time making a statement, spiking down the first two kills of the second set. The Lobo’s back row kept the ball alive, letting front row hitters score at the net.
They kept the pressure with sharp defense and clean transitions, building rhythm that carried deeper into the set. Towards the end, the match tightened, as both teams played through long rallies and lead changes, but Wyoming managed to pull away with a victory, ending the set 27-25.
The third set went straight into a game of tug-of-war, with both sides going point for point. The story of the third set was one of struggle, with 17 ties and eight lead changes, with both teams refusing to give the other an upper hand in the fight for the 2-1 set advantage.
Leonard, once again, came through with a crucial kill to tie it at 23-23, followed by a clutch play by outside hitter Lauryn Payne that brought the score to 24-24. However, the Lobos couldn't maintain their momentum, losing the third set 27-25.
The fourth set started in Wyoming’s favor, as their attacks put the Lobos on the net. Middle blocker Reagan Miller came up with an important block to sway momentum back to the Lobos attempting to pursue a comeback down 9-5.
Madeleine Miller delivered a powerful kill, creating energy for the team. In the end, the Lobos’ defense worked hard to keep rallies alive and set opportunities for the hitters to fight back against the Cowgirls. Payne was able to keep the Cowgirls at matchpoint by securing a kill, showing the Lobos wouldn’t give up without a fight.
Even with relentless effort and surprising plays, the Lobos could not keep the fourth set within a comeback margin. Wyoming capitalized on the Lobos errors, eventually winning the match 25-14.
Despite the Lobos’s efforts, Wyoming ultimately came out on top in a hard fought 3-1 victory. UNM showed tenacity, with France totaling nine kills, Leonard with eight kills, and Payne with 11 kills. The Lobos will be looking to bounce back from their loss in their match against San Diego State University on Thursday, Oct. 9, in California.
Austin Bishop is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @austinrbishop23
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