Sept. 25, 2008
SAN DIEGO - New Mexico put together a solid attack and San Diego State was unable to generate a consistent offensive threat as the Lobos defeated the Aztecs, 3-0 (25-14, 25-22, 25-12), Thursday night in Peterson Gym. With the victory, UNM improved to 11-2 overall and 1-1 in the Mountain West Conference while SDSU saw its record fall to 4-8 (1-1 MWC).
The Aztecs were led by sophomore middle blocker Lauren Salisbury, who finished the evening with eight kills and five blocks. Stephanie Darnall tallied six kills for SDSU along with three blocks, three digs and a service ace. Bailee Hellwig, who came into the match averaging over one block per set, finished with four blocks in the three-set match.
New Mexico's Jeanne Fairchild and Rose Morris led all players with 10 kills apiece while Taylor Hadfield was a force at the net with seven blocks.
The story of the match can be seen in the stat line totals for each team. The Lobos led in almost all categories including kills (46-25), hitting percentage (.317-.071) and digs (46-35). The only area in which SDSU enjoyed an advantage was in blocking where they total nine to UNM's eight.
San Diego State had the early momentum in the opening set, taking a 5-1 lead to begin the contest. New Mexico, however, fought back to tie the game at 6-6, then won four of the next five points to take the lead for good. UNM held the Aztecs to just six kills and a -.030 attack percentage while hitting .480 en route to the 11-point victory.
The second set again saw SDSU take the early lead at 5-2 before the Lobos once more knotted the score at six apiece. From there the teams traded points until the visitors went ahead to stay at 14-13. SDSU mounted a late rally after falling behind 24-18, but could only get within two points before falling 25-22.
After the break, New Mexico came out and quickly took command of the third set by scoring eight of the first nine points of the contest. The Aztecs were unable to generate any offensive flow as they were held to just eight kills and a .071 attack percentage.
The Aztecs continue home action with match against Mountain West Conference foe TCU on Saturday, Sept. 27, at noon in Peterson Gym.