The University of New Mexico Lobos volleyball team painted the court pink and kept energy high on Wednesday, Oct. 29, sweeping the University of Nevada Wolf Pack 3-0 in the annual Pink Game match. The Lobos dominated the first two sets before narrowly coming away with a win against Nevada in a tighter third set.
In the first set, the Lobos started off strong with a four-point lead, causing Nevada to stay on their heels. The Wolf Pack attempted to fight back, however the Lobos continued increasing the momentum in their favor. The first set concluded quickly, with the Lobos winning 25-14.
In the second set of the match, Nevada led to start out, shifting the Lobos’ game plan. 12 kills were totaled in the second set for the Lobos to put Nevada away once again for the set victory.
“I think that we were able to play with such a calm level of energy, and you could tell that we wanted to progress the game,” Lobo setter and outside hitter Addison France said. “I think that’s what really got us through the first two sets.”
France began the third set with a solo block and a kill to put pressure on Nevada. After a competitive string of scoring from the Lobos and Nevada, outside hitter Gioia Riccato made four kills in a row, pushing the score to 21-17 and leading the competitive set to end 25-21.
“At the beginning we started feeling a little bit off, I don’t want to say fear, but like concern that they were starting better, but at the same time, we know that we are able to play better,” Riccato said. “I think that’s what we did.”
Post-match, the Lobos ended with 43 total kills, with outside hitter Lauryn Payne leading the way with 12 and France following with 10.
“Communication is always so important, and I think that’s something we did really well tonight,” France said. “We were able to communicate setting, hitting in every aspect of the game.”
UNM lost their match to the Air Force Academy Falcons on Saturday, Nov. 1, but will look to rebound against the University of Nevada Las Vegas Rebels on Thursday, Nov. 6, at UNM’s Johnson Center.
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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