On Friday, Sept. 4, the New Mexico Lobos volleyball team hit the road, heading north looking to earn their first win of the season after facing a difficult stretch of matches to open the year. The Lobos entered their matchup against the Northern Colorado Bears determined to turn their early-season struggles around and put a win in the column.
The first set began with the Lobos serving and quickly taking control, opening with a 6-0 lead. Northern Colorado slowly chipped away at the deficit, forcing the Lobos to fight to maintain their 13-9 advantage. Lobo setter Madeleine Miller delivered a big swing through the middle to shift the momentum back toward the Lobos. The Bears’ front row continued to keep the score close, but the Lobos held their ground. The teams traded points until New Mexico created some separation and closed out the first set 25-20.
With Northern Colorado starting the serve in the second set, the Lobos immediately took the ball back after a serving error and grabbed the first points of the set. Northern Colorado stayed in the game, swapping leads twice before taking a 9-6 lead over the Lobos. Lobo opposite Addison France and Miller answered with points to bring New Mexico back within striking distance. The Lobos and the Bears continued to trade points, but Northern Colorado held onto its lead at 15-12 after New Mexico lost momentum. Following the Lobos’ second timeout, New Mexico slowly began to close the gap, with an ace from outside hitter Mina Stanojevic. The Lobos continued fighting to make a comeback, but Northern Colorado reached set point and closed out the second set 25-23, tying the match at 1-1.
Miller started the serve for the Lobos in the third set, with both teams immediately trading points. Northern Colorado took an early lead, forcing the Lobos to fight to get points back. As the third set continued, both teams battled to take control, with the Bears maintaining a five-point lead over the Lobos. After a technical timeout, the Lobos regained their focus and began to close the gap until the set was tied 17-17. The Lobos front row continued to keep the pressure on Northern Colorado, preventing the Bears from regaining their advantage. France and middle blocker Reagan Miller connected on a block to give the Lobos their first lead of the set. France then recorded her 14th kill of the match to extend the Lobos lead to 23-20. Libero Camila Canedo followed with a strong serve to put New Mexico at set point, and Lobo outside hitter Uliana Yastrub finished the set with a quick block, giving the Lobos the 25-20 win and a 2-1 lead in the match.
The fourth set began with the Bears serving, but the Lobos quickly took the lead with strategic play. New Mexico held onto the advantage early, though Northern Colorado kept the score close and slowly closed the gap, tying the set at 11-11. After some back and forth scoring, Northern Colorado retook the lead, only for New Mexico to respond with two aces, regaining the advantage. With the Bears losing momentum, the Lobos continued to push forward, extending their lead to 23-15 on a setter attack from Miller. Reaching set point, France recorded her 16th kill of the match to seal the set and give the Lobos a 3-1 victory.
The win marks the Lobos’ first of the season and also gives New Mexico’s new Head Coach Brian Hosfeld his first victory with the program. France recorded a double-double with 16 kills and 11 digs in a strong performance.
The Lobos could not carry their newfound momentum into their next match up, falling 3-2 against the University of Colorado Boulder Buffaloes on Saturday, Sept. 5, moving to 1-3 on the year. They will be back in action Monday, Sept. 7 at home in The Pit versus the New Mexico State Aggies.
Austin Bishop is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @austinrbishop23
