Over the weekend, the Lobo football and volleyball programs had tremendous performances, showcasing some of the best that the programs have to offer. On the gridiron, the win over the Aztecs kept the bowl hopes alive and the volleyball team took things to the wire before winning.
UNM Lobos Volleyball Secures Thrilling Win Over Utah State
The New Mexico Lobos Volleyball team showcased resilience and skill by concluding a successful weekend in Mountain West Conference play with a dramatic five-set victory over Utah State (18-25, 25-20, 18-25, 26-24, 15-11) at the Johnson Center on Saturday. This victory not only flipped their fortunes following a challenging stretch but also marked the first time this season they pulled off consecutive wins in conference competition.
In a matchup characterized by fluctuating momentum, the Lobos capitalized on a late surge in the fourth set after trailing 22-17. Kialah Jefferson ignited the comeback with a key kill, ultimately finishing the match with nine kills, including one that sealed the fifth set. The Lobos outscored the Aggies 9-2 over the final stages of the fourth set, which forced a decisive fifth set for the first time since October 1.
In the final set, UNM exhibited impressive tactical execution, converting 81% of sideouts, which significantly curtailed Utah State’s chances of regaining control after allowing a 9-4 lead. The Lobos maintained their composure and strategically maneuvered to clinch victory, coming off a timeout to score three points, thereby staving off a push by the Aggies who had narrowed the gap to 12-10.
This win marked a significant turnaround for the Lobos (11-13, 4-10 MW), who had endured a nine-match losing streak prior to this week’s success, where they previously fell to both opponents in their earlier season encounters. UNM Head Coach Jon Newman-Gonchar expressed pride in his team’s grit, highlighting the determination they demonstrated throughout a trying period. He stated, “This team doesn’t back down and they fight to the end— and you see what happens when a team never quits.”
The Lobos were led offensively by Lauryn Payne, who contributed 15 kills, marking her 18th match in double figures this season. In addition, Jefferson delivered a noteworthy performance with a double-double, totaling 11 kills and 10 digs, ensuring her position as a pivotal player. Jada Bouyer complemented the attack with 10 kills, showcasing the depth of the team’s offensive capabilities.
Jefferson’s pivotal role in the fourth set included five kills on eight errorless attempts, propelling the Lobos toward their comeback. Her improvement over the match was evident, as she ended the last two sets with a hitting percentage of .428 after starting at .125. Coach Newman-Gonchar recognized the effort, asserting, “Just really happy for her,” indicating the critical influence she had on the team’s overall performance.
Madeleine Miller played a crucial role as well, providing 29 assists coupled with six kills, while also contributing defensively with 12 digs, resulting in her 11th double-double of the year. UNM displayed a formidable defensive front too, achieving 13 blocks compared to Utah State’s 12, a notable feat considering it was the first instance this season that the Lobos recorded double-digit blocks in three consecutive matches.
Following this emphatic victory, the Lobos now turn their attention to a matchup with Air Force, set to take place at home on Tuesday during the MW Tuesday Night Block Party, slated for a 6:30 p.m. MT start. Fans can expect comprehensive match coverage, including streaming options and live statistics, available through GoLobos.com.
New Mexico Men’s Basketball Achieves Non-Conference Win Over Ranked Opponent
In men’s basketball news, the New Mexico Lobos celebrated a notable moment in program history, securing their first non-conference victory against a ranked opponent in 12 years by defeating No. 22 UCLA 72-64 in the Las Vegas Hoopfest. This impressive performance highlighted the team’s potential as they improved to a 2-0 record for the season.
Donovan Dent topped the Lobos’ scoring, contributing 17 points alongside eight assists, showcasing his ability to facilitate on the court effectively. Nelly Junior Joseph recorded his 45th career double-double, finishing with 16 points and 12 rebounds. CJ Noland also made an impact, scoring 13 points off the bench, marking his first double-figure game since joining the Lobos.
The Lobos established a strong start to the game, quickly taking a 9-4 lead and extending it to 21-11 thanks to Dent’s contributions. The team’s cohesion was evident as seven different players managed to score before heading into halftime with a 41-30 advantage.
In the second half, UNM maintained pressure, extending their lead to 49-33. UCLA attempted to close the gap but was unable to mount a successful comeback, as New Mexico capitalized on scoring runs to keep the Bruins at bay. The Lobos managed to maintain a lead of 16 points with less than eight minutes remaining, ultimately holding on for the 72-64 victory.
Head Coach Richard Pitino commended his team’s efforts and expressed satisfaction with their performance throughout the game, emphasizing the importance of playing fundamentally sound basketball against a formidable opponent like UCLA.
Looking ahead, the Lobos will host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi next Tuesday at The Pit, with a tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Fans can acquire tickets through GoLobos.com.
Nelly Junior Joseph Earns Mountain West Player of the Week Honors
On an individual level, Nelly Junior Joseph received recognition from the Mountain West as Player of the Week following his contributions in leading the Lobos to victory against Nicholls and UCLA.
Joseph’s accomplishments include an outstanding performance against Nicholls, where he scored 28 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. He then followed it up with a solid showing against UCLA, tallying 16 points and 12 rebounds in an impressive all-around effort.
Boasting a shooting percentage of 58% from the field and 80% from the free-throw line for the week, Joseph has established himself as a significant contributor for the Lobos, cementing his place amongst the top players in the conference.
With these accomplishments, the Lobos are eyeing continued success as they prepare for their upcoming match against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, where they aim to build on their impressive start to the season.
UNM Football Secures Vital Win Against San Diego State
The University of New Mexico Lobos Football team fought hard to secure a vital 21-16 win over San Diego State, keeping their hopes alive for bowl eligibility. Randolph Kpai delivered a standout performance defensively, leading the charge with 15 tackles.
The Lobos, improving to 4-6 overall and 3-3 in Mountain West play, benefitted from a strong defensive performance that limited San Diego State to just one touchdown, despite facing a high number of offensive plays against them. The match culminated in a thrilling finish, with Ryan Davis making a crucial one-handed catch in the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown.
Kpai’s performance was a highlight, encompassing two pass breakups and a sack, demonstrating a relentless defensive mindset. His stop on a fourth-quarter possession was critical in forcing the Aztecs to punt, allowing the Lobos to control the clock and secure the win.
On the offensive side, Eli Sanders was a prominent figure, contributing two long touchdown runs of 51 and 68 yards, respectively. The Lobos’ resilience throughout the match was evident, as they responded effectively to challenges from San Diego State, capturing their third road victory in a season for the first time in nearly a decade.
This victory has invigorated the team’s pursuit of a bowl appearance as they head into the remaining games of the season, with strategies in place to build on their recent successes.
UNM’s Mountain West Recognition for Offensive Lineman
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – In another commendable achievement, Lajuan Owens was honored as the Mountain West Freshman of the Week, marking a milestone as the first Lobo offensive lineman to earn a weekly award in over two decades. His performance was instrumental in facilitating a rushing offense that totaled 300 yards in the win against San Diego State.
Owens was recognized for his critical role in both run and pass protection, successfully executing key blocks that enabled significant gains. His development as a player has significantly contributed to UNM’s improved offensive efficiency as they navigate a challenging season.
Women’s Swimming and Diving Update
The UNM women’s swimming and diving team faced off against the University of Nevada in a conference dual meet, which resulted in a 209-89 defeat for the Lobos. This match marked their second consecutive loss in conference play.
Despite the loss, freshman Arianna Stokes garnered a victory in the 50-yard freestyle, highlighting her potential as a promising athlete. Additionally, UNM saw several strong performances from newcomers and seasoned competitors, finishing with multiple second-place finishes across various events.
On the diving front, junior Isabella Gomez led the team with two third-place finishes, showcasing the solid talent within UNM’s diving roster. While the team has faced challenges thus far, they remain focused on upcoming competitions, including a noteworthy entry into the Phil Hansel Invitational.
The team is set to participate in the annual Phil Hansel Invitational in Houston, Texas, before returning home for their final dual meet of the season against New Mexico State on February 8.
The University of New Mexico’s sporting teams are continuing to exhibit resilience and skill as their seasons progress. With impressive victories, individual accolades, and a focus on future success, the Lobos are striving to enhance their performance and representation in collegiate athletics. Follow the teams for further updates on their journeys through the season.