The New Mexico Lobos fell to the Air Force Falcons in a three-set sweep on Saturday, failing to secure the momentum needed to get their season back on track.
According to a report from The Daily Lobo, the Lobos struggled to maintain control despite early leads in both the first and second sets. The Falcons ultimately took the match with set scores of 25-22, 25-16, and 25-18.
The opening set saw Reagan Miller, a middle blocker for New Mexico, secure an early 2-0 lead for the Lobos with a kill. Outside hitter Alysa Walker helped the Lobos stay close to the Falcons during the opening frame.
The momentum shifted following a media timeout when Air Force middle blocker Sonia Donkeng Okapara helped the Falcons reclaim a 17-15 lead. While Mina Stanojevic and Miller managed to score back-to-back points to break a seven-point scoring streak by the Falcons, Air Force closed the set 25-22.
New Mexico regained an early advantage in the second set after a long serve from Air Force’s Mia Loyd resulted in a gift for the Lobos, establishing a 2-0 lead. Stanojevic followed this with back-to-back kills to extend the Lobos’ lead to two points.
The Falcons responded through kills from Annamaria Ramos and Okapara to regain the lead. Okapara then scored six consecutive points following a media timeout, giving Air Force the lead.
This surge allowed the Falcons to run away with a 25-16 victory in the second set. The scoring for the Lobos in the early stages of the set was aided by Addison France and a serving ace from libero Camila Canedo, which briefly gave New Mexico a 7-6 lead.
The Lobos entered the third set attempting to force a fourth, but their energy levels declined as the set progressed. Although Stanojevic attempted to drive a comeback for New Mexico, the Falcons secured the set 25-18 to complete the sweep.
The loss comes as a setback for the Lobos following a previous rematch at Air Force, where New Mexico dropped the series in a five-set battle with a 2-3 score.
Keep reading
Providence Defeats Morgan Park to Advance to Class 5A Quarterfinals
Providence secures 5A playoff victory over Morgan Park Providence defeated Morgan Park 42-34 at Stagg Stadium on Saturday,...
Author Apologizes for Failing to Recognize Key Support at Book Launch
In a personal post shared on LinkedIn, author Uma Subramanian issued a public apology to her house manager,...
Hall Booth Smith Welcomes Corby Covalt and Alexis O’Brien to Oklahoma City
Hall Booth Smith, P.C. has added two new associates to its Oklahoma City office, bringing specialized experience in...
Damien Harris Says Jeremiah Smith May Not Play Again This Season
Jeremiah Smith might have played his final snap for the Ohio State Buckeyes this season, according to former...