Utah State volleyball makes statement with sweep of UNM

It seems the Mountain West preseason volleyball poll carries a bit more significance than the league’s pre-conference standings.

Utah State effectively drove that point home Thursday, rolling to an impressive 3-0 sweep of UNM at Johnson Center. The set scores were 25-19, 25-22 and 25-16.

Paced by setter Kaylie Kofe, the Aggies looked every bit like a team that was picked to win the Mountain West this season. They did not look like a squad that entered conference play with a 3-7 record — even if four of those losses came to nationally ranked opponents.

UNM, on the other hand, could not find the rhythm and execution that sparked its 8-3 run through non-conference play. UNM managed just a .130 attack percentage (Utah State hit .267) and was not able to match USU’s efficiency.

“We struggled with serve receive and we struggled to finish points,” Lobos coach Jon Newman-Gonchar said. “I thought we played hard and battled for every point, but that’s too good a team to struggle against.”

Andrea Simovski (14), Mara Stiglic (12) and Tierney Barlow (10) posted double-digit kills for Utah State, capitalizing on the quick, efficient setting of Kofe, who had 44 assists and 13 digs.

Addison France led the Lobos with eight kills, but the team numbers all favored the Aggies. The visitors had 54 kills to UNM’s 26 and collected 50 digs to UNM’s 33.

“Their defense was impressive,” Newman-Gonchar said of the Aggies. “They kept a lot of points alive when we had chances to finish them. There are lessons to be learned from tonight.”

There was one glimmer of good news for UNM as senior co-captain Lauryn Payne made her first appearance of the season, drawing enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Payne, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, came on as a substitute in set two and collected seven kills on 18 attempts.

“Lauryn looked good,” Newman-Gonchar said. “The plan is to build her up steadily and tonight was a good start.”

The Lobos continue their four-game homestand Saturday with an 11 a.m. match versus Boise State. UNM hosts Colorado State and Wyoming next week.