Utah State University women’s volleyball hopes to keep momentum going to get a win against New Mexico

By Ashley Springer

Utah State University volleyball coach Grayson DuBose said he's been happy with the way his team has been playing over the past few matches — 90 percent of the time.

When DuBose's team takes the court against the University of New Mexico on Wednesday, he'll be looking for that other 10 percent. 

"If we can put together a whole complete match I think we’ll have a nice opportunity to go compete,” DuBois said.

“We’re really focusing on the little things like getting our feet to the ball, getting nice passes and then getting everyone up so we can get three options up for the hitters,” said USU junior libero Hannah Gleason. Gleason had 21 digs in the 3-2 loss against San Diego State University on Saturday.

DuBose said the keys for success would be to get New Mexico out of its system by serving tougher and defending its quick outside hitters.

“I always want them to think we have a chance to win,” DuBose said. “I think the mindset always has to be ‘hey we’re going to put together a game plan we’re going to be prepared’ and if we can do those two things then we’ll be alright.”

“Just to forget about the last play and be in the play that we’re in and focus really on that and play with passion and our hearts,” Gleason said. “I know they play with a lot of passion and stuff so we just need to focus on ourselves and I think we’ll do well.”

The Aggies played well for four sets against San Diego State, but fell short in the last set due to serving errors. DuBose said the team has to serve better.

The Aggies had four players with double digit kills against San Diego State led by junior outside hitter Kaylie Kamalu’s 15. The Aggies tied their season high of 65 kills for a 23.2 attack percentage. Junior setter Erica Moscoso led the Aggies with 39 assists while freshman setter Kassidy Johnson, who replaced Moscoso in the fourth set and continued as setter through the rest of the match, had 15.

New Mexico is coming off of a 3-0 win over Fresno State on Saturday.

New Mexico had 52 kills for a 31.9 attack percentage against Fresno State behind junior outside hitter Devanne Sours’ 12. Redshirt senior setter Hannah Johnson led New Mexico in assists with 38 and redshirt sophomore outside hitter Ashley Kelsey and junior Cassie House both had 11 digs. New Mexico has a 21.8 attack percentage on the season.

The Aggies are currently 2-13 in conference play and 6-13 overall while New Mexico is 8-7 in conference play and 15-13 overall. If New Mexico wins the match and UNLV loses its match against third in the conference University of Wyoming, New Mexico will move to fourth in the conference.