Falcons to Host Lobos in Conference Opener
9/24/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 24, 2003
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The Air Force volleyball team will face New Mexico in the team's conference opener. The Falcons are off to a great start, winning nine non-conference matches. They look to keep it rolling Friday (Sept. 26) against MWC foe New Mexico. Match time is 7 p.m.
SITE:
Air Force Academy
East Gymnasium (1,000)
Portland, Ore.
RECORDS: The tournament marks the opening of the Mountian West schedule for both teams. Non-conference records are below:
Team 2003
Air Force 9-4
New Mexico 3-10
AIR FORCE vs. NEW MEXICO:
The Falcons have defeated the Lobos just one time in the team's history. New Mexico has a solid 10-1 edge over Air Force. The teams have gone five games, most recently in 2001. Last season, the Lobos swept the Falcons both times the teams met.
1997 L 0-3
1997 L 2-3
1999 W 3-0
1999 L 1-3
1999 L 2-3
2000 L 0-3
2000 L 0-3
2001 L 1-3
2001 L 2-3
2002 L 0-3
2002 L 0-3
SCOUTING the OPPONENT:
The Lobos are struggling this year. At 3-10, they have the worst record in the MWC. They are currently riding a seven match losing streak, including four straight home losses. They have not won on the road this year. They are led by Anna Reines, who is averaging 3.54 kills per game. Defensively, Monica Meihack leads the team with 2.34 digs per game. Lindsay Smith, who shares time at the setter position with Meihack (3.25 apg), is averaging 7.54 assists per game.
NEMESIS:
The Lobos have been somewhat of a nemesis for the Falcons. In 1999, the team's best season at Division I, the Lobos upset the Falcons as the lower seed in the MWC tournament in five games. In 2001, the Falcons were winless in conference play. There best chance for a league win came at home against the Lobos. Again, the Lobos defeated the Falcons in five games, including a 32-30 game-two win.
OPPOSING PLAYER TO WATCH:
With 3.56 kills per game, Reines ranks ninth in the league. Last year, in six games against the Falcons, Reines had 21 kills.
NATIONAL RANKING:
Entering the Portland State tournament, two players were ranked in the top 10 nationally. Kristin Huitt was sixth in the nation in assists per game. At the time, she was averaging 13.86 apg. Delavane Diaz was averaging 5.75 kills, which ranked eighth in the nation. It marks the first time in the team's Div I history that two players ranked in the top 10 nationally.
