UNM volleyball set for stiff opening test in California. Here's a preview of the Lobos' first three matches.
Aug. 24—The University of New Mexico volleyball team has high expectations for the 2023 season but opening weekend is anyone's guess.
The Lobos will hit the floor twice on Friday and once Saturday as they officially tip off the season at the adidas/Cal Irvine Invitational. UNM coach Jon Newman-Gonchar has scouted his team's opponents but says detailed scouting reports have been tough to compile.
UNM faces Seton Hall at 11 a.m. and host UC Irvine at 8 p.m. on Friday. The Lobos conclude the tournament against San Francisco at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
"Based on last year, we'll see three very different styles of play," Newman-Gonchar said. "But everyone has different personnel, changes things up in the offseason, so it's hard to know exactly what to expect. I just know we're ready to go get tested."
UNM was picked to finish fourth in the 11-team Mountain West this season after going 17-12 overall in 2022. The Lobos have nine returnees including standout senior hitters Kali Wolf, Uxue Guereca and All-MWC selection Kaitlynn Biassou.
Newman-Gonchar's team got off to a strong start in its first action this season, sweeping four sets from New Mexico Highlands in an exhibition match last weekend at the Pit. UNM won the first three sets decisively (25-10, 25-15, 25-6) before coming from behind to take the fourth 26-24 with primarily young players on the court.
With three matches scheduled in a 27-hour span, Newman-Gonchar figures to use his bench heavily this weekend.
"We'll definitely use a lot of players," he said, "and I think we can expect to be in some five-set battles. I'm calling it now."
Seton Hall, a team UNM has never faced, finished 15-15 last season. The Pirates have experience and size with four net players at 6-foot-3 or taller.
UC Irvine is coming off a 20-10 year and will make its season-opener Friday night in UNM's second appearance of the day. The Anteaters graduated most of last season's top net players but have reloaded with two freshmen and five transfers. Friday night's UNM-UCI match will be streamed live on ESPN+.
San Francisco is coming off a season of vast improvement, finishing 14-15 after going 0-25 in 2021. The Dons, like UNM, have nine returning players and four graduate transfers.
"We've spent a lot of time watching video," Newman-Gonchar said, "both of our exhibitions and of everything we could find on this week's opponents. All three of these teams have some ways they can expose us, but I think we'll be able to press them, too. If all goes well, we'll win some matches and get better this weekend. We'll definitely learn a lot about ourselves."
