BOULDER, Colo. (UNLVRebels.com) – The defending Mountain West regular-season champion UNLV volleyball team suffered a 3-0 loss (20-25, 27-29, 22-25) Saturday afternoon against North Texas in its second match of the Buffs Invitational at the CU Events Center.

The final score was not indicative of how close the match was as it had a total of 38 ties and 16 lead changes throughout, and the second set went beyond 25 points to be decided.

The Rebels (1-1) were led by Gabrielle Arretche-Ramos and Isabel Martin, as both recorded double figures in kills with 11 and 10, respectively. Arien Fafard recorded 18 assists, while Olivia Mikkelsen added 11, and Caleigh King led the team in digs with seven.

Treyaunna Rush paced UNT (2-0) with 12 kills, while Coco Gillette added 11. Ceci Harness had 19 assists for the Mean Green, while Kamryn Scroggins tallied 17. Aleeyah Galdeira had 10 digs.

North Texas out-hit UNLV .240 to .143 for the match, recording seven more kills (45-38) and six more assists (40-34).

The previous night in its season opener and first game of the Buffs Invitational, UNLV defeated Colorado 3-1 giving Malia Shoji her first career victory in the first game of her head-coaching career.

UNLV will conclude play at the event on Sunday, Aug. 27 at 9 a.m. PT against Campbell. Live video will be available by clicking here and live stats may be found by clicking here.

News & Notes:

• This marked the fourth time that UNLV and North Texas have faced off on the volleyball court and second time in as many years. The first meeting was in 1996 and the all-time series is now tied 2-2.

• The Rebels, who are under new leadership in first-year head coach Malia Shoji, returned 11 letterwinners from last season's team.

• UNLV, which has been named the preseason league favorite along with Utah State in a poll voted on by the conference's head coaches, has added five new players to their 2023 roster.

• 2022 Mountain West Player of the Year Isabel Martin was also named the 2023 Preseason MW Player of the Year.

• Also returning are last season's all-conference honorees: senior outside hitter Gabrielle Arretche-Ramos and senior middle blocker Jordyn Freeman. 

• Martin also earned all-region honors last season and was named an honorable mention All-American.

• UNLV went 26-5 overall in 2022, including a 17-1 record in Mountain West play, and made another NCAA Tournament appearance.