UNM volleyball outlasts NMSU in five-set battle

UNM’s Addison France (15) reacts after the Lobos scored a point during their match against NMSU on Tuesday night at the Johnson Center.

Jessica Baca/Journal

Ken Sickenger Ken Sickenger Ken Sickenger Journal Staff Writer

Published September 16, 2025 - 8:20 p.m. Modified September 17, 2025 - 3:53 p.m.

Wednesday

UNM at New Mexico State, 6 p.m., ESPN+ (streaming)

At the end of the night, Tuesday’s news was all good for the University of New Mexico volleyball team.

The Lobos came from behind to edge rival New Mexico State in a back-and-forth, five-set thriller at Johnson Center. Freshman Addison France sparked the comeback as UNM pulled out the marathon by set scores of 25-21, 22-25, 19-25, 25-19 and 15-11.

France had a match-high 20 kills and chipped in 12 assists when the Lobos switched to a 6-2, two-setter rotation late in the match. Starting setter Madeleine Miller still posted a double-double (40 sets, 10 digs), but the strategy shift helped UNM (8-2) turn the momentum after NMSU (6-3) dominated set three to take a 2-1 lead.

“I thought that gave us some energy,” France said. “Everybody stepped up. It was a lot of fun.”

The Aggies will not have to wait long for a shot at revenge as the teams will meet again Wednesday at the Pan American Center. Both teams boarded buses for Las Cruces less than an hour after Tuesday’s match concluded.

Four players racked up double-digit kills for NMSU on Monday, paced by Jaelynn Kohli with 15 and Maggie Lightheart with 14. But the Aggies struggled with key errors Tuesday, including in set five when they had five attack errors and twice gave up points on net calls.

UNM had its own struggles handling New Mexico State’s aggressive service, particularly in set three when the Aggies rolled to a 24-16 lead and largely quieted a crowd of 917 that included the UNM men’s basketball and women’s soccer teams.

Lobos coach Jon Newman-Gonchar pulled his team into an adjacent hallway for a quick meeting before set four.

“I just told them, ‘This is a test,’” Newman-Gonchar said. “’I’m not going to yell, but if you guys want this, you have to go get it.’ They responded.”

Switching to a 6-2 rotation allowed UNM to employ an extra attacker, and the momentum began to shift noticeably in set four. France and Uliana Yastrub combined for five kills and a block, and Zoe Leonard banged in an ace as the Lobos stretched a 10-9 lead to 23-14 and forced the first UNM-NMSU five-setter since 2013.

Amanda Tremeroli contributed two key kills late in set five to help the Lobos secure the win. Yastrub finished with 12 kills, Seenane Brewer had 11 and Leonard chipped in nine kills and four total blocks for UNM. Libero Camila Canedo had 21 digs and seven assists.

UNM remained short-handed Tuesday, but that was actually part of the good news for the home team. Outside hitters Lauryn Payne (knee), Gioia Riccato (elbow) and middle Liepa Lavickyte (hamstring) were in uniform and warmed up prior to the match. Only Riccato played (back row only), but Newman-Gonchar said all three could be ready when UNM opens Mountain West play Sept. 25 versus Utah State.

But first, UNM will get a second look at New Mexico State in its final non-conference match.

“I’m excited,” France said. “I don’t think (the Aggies) liked me very much tonight but it’s all fun, friendly competition. I expect it will be another tough match (Wednesday).”