Lobo volleyball sweeps Huskies, improves to 3-0

The University of New Mexico volleyball team did not exactly bend over backward to make its Lobo Invitational guests feel comfortable at Johnson Center.

The Lobos finished off an efficient tournament performance Saturday with a 3-0 sweep of Houston Christian. UNM previously swept Manhattan and pulled out a dramatic five-set win over Northern Arizona on Friday.

Naomi Chankoumi banged in a match-high 13 kills in New Mexico's 25-18, 26-24, 25-18 win over HCU — a match in which the Lobos took a while to get started. The Huskies raced to a 9-3 lead in set one before the home started to find its energy and some rhythm.

"It took a little time. We came out kind of tight," UNM coach Jon Newman-Gonchar said. "The fact is, we played an emotionally charged match (Friday) night and then you have to get up and do it again. It's not the easiest thing to do, but our players battled through it. I'm proud of them."

Chankoumi said the Lobos were well aware of their sluggish start and determined to do something about it.

"We have each other," she said, "and we hold each other accountable. We had to check back in and get that fire back. You can't show up and expect to win."

The Lobos were again short-handed on the front line with senior outside hitter Lauryn Payne and junior middle Liepa Lavickyte out of action. Payne is nursing a leg injury but is likely to return before Mountain West play begins, Newman-Gonchar said. Lavickyte suffered a hamstring injury Friday and is not expected to play in the upcoming Tarleton State Invitational, Sept. 4-6 in Stephenville, Texas.

Houston Baptist did its best to slow down UNM's Gioia Riccato on Saturday after she posted 33 combined kills in Friday's matches. Ricatto was limited to 11 kills Saturday, but other Lobos picked up the slack at the net.

Addison France posted 9 kills, Solia Angilau added eight (on just 14 swings), and Zoe Leonard chipped in five kills and three blocks.

"I feel like we're strong this year," Chankoumi said. "We can play different lineups if people are missing and the opposing team won't even know. The good thing is, this isn't even the best version of us yet. We're still learning and getting better."

Chankoumi and Riccato sparked a late UNM comeback in set one as the hosts erased a 9-3 deficit to take a 17-16 lead and roll to the finish line.

HCU returned the favor in set two, when Savanna Stevens reeled off three straight service aces and the Huskies rallied from a 22-15 hole to pull even at 23. But two late kills by Chankoumi helped the Lobos take the set, and they kept HCU at arm's length throughout set three.

Madeleine Miller finished with 40 assists, eight digs and three blocks for UNM. Allana Archie paced the Huskies with 11 kills.

UNM volleyball defeats Houston Christian in the finale of Lobo Invitational: Photos

---