UNM volleyball off to best start in 12 years
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (BVM) — There are still almost three full months of college volleyball to be played this fall, but the New Mexico Lobos couldn’t have asked for a much better start to their first full season since 2019.
After struggling to find success during their COVID-shortened spring season when they won just four of 14 matches, the Lobos have won their first three matches of the 2021 fall season. UNM swept Fordham, Cal State Fullerton and UC Riverside last weekend at the Titan Classic in Fullerton, California. It’s the first time since 2009 that UNM has started a season 3-0.
“Exciting start for the Lobos,” UNM head coach Jon Newman-Gonchar said after the Lobos swept Cal State Fullerton on its home court. “We are leaning on our competitive depth and our team connection in a major way. We have a team committed to one another and to do anything necessary to see the team find success.”
The Lobos are searching for their first winning season since 2015 (17-14). They went 11-19 in 2019 after finishing right at .500 in each of the previous three seasons (2016-2018). Ultimately, they hope to find their way back to the NCAA Tournament, which hasn’t happened since 2010. They have a long way to go to reach that point, but they have the experience and depth to help make it happen.
UNM has nine returning players, including junior outside hitter Kaitlynn Biassou and sophomore outside hitter Kali Wolf, the team’s leading attackers who both played all 14 matches this past spring. Biassou was named All-Mountain West after recording 183 kills and averaging 3.45 kills per set, the fifth-most in the conference, while Wolf posted 117 kills. The Lobos also bring back 6-foot-5 sophomore outside hitter Tori Tua, who led the team in blocks (40) and was third in kills (65), as well as junior libero Alena Moldan, who had a team-best 163 digs.
In addition to their returners, the Lobos have welcomed in multiple newcomers who are already making an impact early. Sophomore Melissa Walden has taken on a critical role as the team’s setter and recorded 94 assists in three matches while freshman Elizabeth Woods and graduate student Kassie McGill have already combined for 23 kills and 14 blocks in what’s been a strong start to what the Lobos hope will be a successful season going forward.
“The team is poised and executing at a very high level and I’m excited to watch us continue to learn and grow,” Jon Newman-Gonchar said.
The Lobos will try to continue their strong start to the season this weekend at the Wildcat Classic in Abilene, Texas.
