Sept. 20, 2001

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - UNLV opened Mountain West Conference play with a 3-0 (30-24, 30-21, 30-20) victory over New Mexico. The win moves the Rebels' overall record to 4-3, while the Lobos fall to 2-6 on the season. The match was the league opener for both teams.

Junior Blair Wilkes led the Rebel attack with 13 kills. She also hit a match-high .526 (13-3-19) with three blocks (one solo and two assisted).

Sheila Ocasio-Clemente and Michelle Johnson, who are first and second respectively in blocks per game in the conference, each knocked down eight blocks with seven kills on the night.

Freshman setter Nicki King served up 38 assists in the three-game match, with eight digs and two kills. Shannon Chase led the Rebels defensively with nine digs.

New Mexico was led by Malena Thompson, who finished with eight kills and six digs.

UNLV continues conference play on Saturday when the Rebels travel to Colorado Springs, Colo., to take on Air Force.