The New Mexico Lobos looked to continue to gain momentum, after sweeping both Nevada and UC Davis, as they took on the UTEP Miners on Thursday, Oct. 15. The Lobos were not able to find momentum in this match, and would go on to find themselves swept.
The Lobos and Miners went back and forth in the first set, with Lobo setter Madeleine Miller and middle blocker Reagan Miller notching kills to keep the Lobos in the running. Lobo opposite hitter Addison France gave the Lobos even more momentum with 2 kills during a 4-point run for New Mexico.
UTEP outside hitter Hannah Crowe clawed the momentum back however, nailing a kill to gain the lead in the set. UTEP outside hitters Mackenzi Davis and Ema Uskokovic further pressed the advantage, with their performances leading to the Miners’ 25-22 win in the first set.
Uskokovic continued the Miners’ tear, landing back-to-back kills and scoring 2 of the first 3 points in the second set after a kill from France to open the set. Crowe poured it on the Lobos, with two consecutive kills and consecutive aces which would give the Miners a strong lead early in set two.
France attempted to turn back the tide for the Lobos, but her efforts would be in vain. The Miners secured an 11-point victory in the second set to win 25-14.
Lobo middle blocker Zoe Leonard kicked off the third set by giving New Mexico three consecutive points, and France supplied even more momentum to give the Lobos a 5-point lead.
Uskokovic and Braziel together slowed the Lobos’ rally, and UTEP setter Shea Bruntmyer drew the Miners within a point of tying the set.
The Miners would end roaring all the way back, winning the set 25-22 and sweeping the Lobos, who will look to split the series with the Miners as they play them again tonight, this time at home in The Pit.
Xavier Apodaca is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @XavierApodaca2
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