Nov. 12, 2004
Final Stats
Albuquerque, N.M. - UNLV fought back from a 2-1 deficit to beat New Mexico in five games Thursday night in Albuquerque, N.M., as the Rebels snapped a four-match losing streak.
The Rebels improved to 13-11 on the season, 7-6 in the Mountain West Conference. The win guarantees UNLV its first .500 season since 1998. New Mexico dropped to 8-16, 2-11 in the MWC.
Unlike the team's first meeting this season when the Rebels swept the Lobos, UNLV battled the entire night for this win, doing so without Lauren Miramontes and Michelle Banks, who didn't make the trip due to injuries.
Freshman outside hitter Brittani Lumsden led the Rebels with 19 kills and 15 digs for her team-high ninth double-double of the season. It was the second match in a row that the Lumsden has recorded a double-double. Mariana Pencheva added 15 kills, Ashley Flahaven knocked down 12 and Tarin Keith had 10.
Game one went to the Rebels in deciding fashion 30-19, as they out-hit the Lobos .506 to .205. UNLV knocked down 22 kills and committed just two errors to open the match.
After the Rebels' strong start New Mexico responded by winning game two 30-27 and game three 30-26. But the Lobos couldn't seal the deal, losing games four (30-26) and five (15-12).
Senior setter Nicki King handed out 54 assists and dug up 13 balls for the Rebels in recording her team-high ninth double-double of the season as well. Keith also had ten digs to go along with 10 kills for a double-double as well.
New Mexico was led by Nicole Ryan's match-high 24 kills and Jennifer Heasty, who knocked down 20 kills.
UNLV wraps up its regular season against Air Force in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Nov. 13 at 6:00 p.m. (PST).
