The San José State women’s volleyball team dropped its fifth consecutive match after losing to the University of New Mexico 3-1 at Yoshihiro Uchida Hall on Thursday.
The Lobos (15-6, 7-3 MWC) dominated the match in four sets against the Spartans (11-11, 2-7 MWC) outscoring them 100-93.
The Spartans started strong in the first set with a 5-0 service run, but couldn’t hold on as the Lobos took set one 25-23.
SJSU volleyball head coach Todd Kress said he was happy his team came out strong, but then struggled after the Lobos went on an 11-point run.
“We came out of the gate really strong, which we’ve been struggling to do so very proud of the way we came out of the gate,” Kress said. “But then we couldn’t finish I mean, I think we were up 15 to 6 at one point they go on an 11-point run, they went by two points.”
Senior middle blocker Jiana Lawson said she did not like the performance and said there is still room to improve.
“I think it’s honestly it’s disheartening … I think we just have to hold on and cling to the hope that we’ve been working towards this end even though we didn’t get the result that we wanted that if we keep pushing from where we’re at, we’re gonna get there,” Lawson said.
After dropping the first set, the Spartans were able to regroup themselves to win the second set 26-24.
Senior outside and right side hitter Letizia Cammillucci said having different lineups gives the team more opportunities to score points.
“I think today we played with a different lineup that we had like all the different options. We were able to explore in different ways,” Cammillucci said.
In the second set, the Spartans drew up a new game plan with a different lineup running the offense, ultimately getting the upper hand against the Lobos 26-24.
This was the Spartans’ first set win in over two weeks with their last being in 3-1 win against Fresno State on Sept. 30.
Freshman outside hitter Nayeli Ti’a led the Spartans with 18 kills.
The Spartans looked to take the third set as they pushed to a 22-20 lead, but couldn’t hold the Lobos back, losing the set 26-24.
Kress said the team is now in a position where losing is no longer an option.
“We’re in a position right now that’s a must-win. We got to go up there and figure out a way to get a win whatever it’s going to take,” Kress said.
The Spartans dropped their sixth-consecutive game to Air Force, being swept 3-0 by the Falcons at Cadet Field House in Colorado Springs, Colo. on Saturday.
SJSU looks to avoid its seventh-straight loss as it faces Fresno State at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Save Mart Center.
