UNM Returns Just Six Players From Last Season

No one seems to know just what to make of the 2012-13 University of New Mexico volleyball team.

Expectations run the gamut for coach Jeff Nelson’s oh-so-youthful team. The Lobos were picked to finish sixth in the nine-team Mountain West Conference, and Nelson understands why.

“People don’t know anything about us,” Nelson said Wednesday at UNM’s annual media day.

	Saturday UNM vs. alumni, 6 p.m., Johnson Center Free admission

This much is known. New Mexico has more newcomers (seven) than returning players (six) from a team that finished 14-15 last season.

Including setter Hannah Johnson and middle blocker Megan Short, who took redshirt seasons in 2011, the Lobos have six freshmen on a roster that includes one senior, setter Jordan Russell.

That information sets up this comment:

“I’ve really had to take a different approach because we are so young,” Nelson said. “The whole staff’s going to have to be more patient.”

Does that mean Nelson, his staff and players are setting the bar low?

“No chance,” sophomore Chantale Riddle said. “I don’t like to lose, and we’re going to be a lot better than people think. I’m glad the (MWC) coaches picked us sixth. That’s motivation. Thanks for that.”

Riddle appears to be one of a few sure things for the Lobos this season. The high-flying Roswell native will get the ball early and often, Nelson said.

“Chantale’s going to take over the go-to role that Ashley Rhoades had last year,” Nelson said. “She’s going to get 40 to 50 swings every night.”

UNM also appears to have more weapons than in 2011.

The biggest change figures to come outside, where junior Ashley Newman and a talented crop of newcomers should provide more firepower. Junior Lena Skipper, an import from the Australian Women’s National Team, and freshmen Ashley Kelsey and Alijah Gunsaulus have all impressed in preseason drills.

“We’ve got four outside hitters who are ready to play right now,” Nelson said. “We struggled at that position last year, so this depth is exciting.”

Junior Lexi Ross and sophomore Elsa Krieg will help anchor the middle along with the 6-foot-3 Short and freshman Skye Gullatt. Talented junior libero Miquella Lovato anchors the defense, which leaves setter as perhaps the key to UNM’s fortunes.

Mariah Agre, last season’s starter, transferred to Texas A&M after her sophomore season. As a result, Russell and Johnson will start the season sharing setting duties.

“We’ll see if one of them steps up to become the primary setter,” Nelson said. “But Jordan and Hannah are our best leaders in the gym, so I’m comfortable with this arrangement.”

Question marks aside, Nelson said he’s enjoying the exuberance his team has shown. Kelsey, who came to UNM from Hawaii, agreed.

“The freshmen are fiery and the upper classmen bring discipline,” Kelsey said. “And when we need a little butt-kicking, Jeff steps in.”

So can UNM’s talent and enthusiasm overcome its inexperience?

“We’ll probably win some matches we’re not supposed to with athleticism,” Nelson said, “and lose some we shouldn’t because of youth and poor coaching. But one thing I will say for this bunch, they’ll go after it.”
— This article appeared on page D1 of the Albuquerque Journal