Hobbs, NM - It was Senior weekend for the Lady Mustang volleyball team as they took on conference opponent Louisiana Christian University (LCU). The University of Southwest (5-15, 5-7 RRAC) came into the weekend with playoff contention in mind as LCU (8-6, 7-3 RRAC) were needing to maintain their position with the end of the regular season looming.
 
Game 1
USW fell behind quickly to the Wildcats and would eventually lose a back-forth first set 25-21. 
 
The second set had short rallies from both sides, keeping it tight until about a little over halfway through. It was then that Louisiana Christian could break it open four straight points to lead 21-16. They would eventually add another four-point rally to take the second set 25-17.
 
The Wildcats came into the third set looking for a decisive win in game one. They would be able to take down the Lady Mustangs in three straight sets, aided by a five-point rally to make it 18-13 in a set that would end at 25-20. 
 
Although USW lost in straight sets, they would not be left without some seniors making impacts throughout the match. Senior Valeria Trevino would lead the team in kills with twelve, and Senior Alexia Esparza would follow her with a count of eight. Senior Gabriela Tapia would also pace the team in assists with twenty-one.
 
Game 2 
On the day the seniors were celebrated, they were determined to make one last memory at the Jack & Mabel Maddox Student Life Center. They did just that, coming away with a three sets to one victory over the visiting Wildcats. 
 
In the first set, the Lady Mustang jumped out quickly to a 13-3 lead with two separate five-point rallies. LCU put together five straight points late to close the gap, but the Lady Mustangs rode the early momentum to take the first set 25-18. 
 
The second set saw a tight matchup the whole way, with the Lady Mustangs not taking the lead until a four-straight-point run when they were behind 6-5. after that spark, they were able to hold off the Wildcats attack from then on out and win the set 25-21. 
 
After dropping the third set 25-17, the Lady Mustangs looked to send their seniors off in high fashion. It was tight through the middle of the set until USW could go on a 5-1 run to make it 23-19. Kills by Freshman Aniya Odom and Senior Samantha Dreibelbis would put the cherry on top for the Lady Mustangs as they took the final set 25-21, sending the Seniors out with a win in their final home game. 
 
Leading the attack on the day were three Seniors, Valeria Trevino (18 kills), Samantha Dreibelbis (12) Alexia Esparza (11).  Graduate players Kennedy Mcruffin and Autumn Lopez also made an impact with ten and twenty-six digs, respectively. 
 
"I think we needed that first game to get the kinks out and shake off the week," said Coach Cassandra Smith. "Saturday's team was disciplined, consistent, and lively; it was so fun to watch them play together. We threw ourselves a little block party yesterday, allowing us to effectively put the ball away on our end. Huge shoutout to the seniors and everything they've accomplished so far. A great team win, and I am truly grateful to coach this team."
 
The Lady Mustangs Will be traveling to Texarkana, Texas, for the last weekend of play in the RRAC regular season to take on TAMUT Eagles on November 4^th and 5^th. Continue to follow USW Athletics and USW Volleyball on all social media for scores and updates throughout the season.