Hobbs, NM – USW Women's Volleyball hosted Xavier University (LA.) over the weekend for their first conference series this season. The Mustangs were looking to find a spark with conference play starting after some struggles to start the season. The Lady Mustangs put in quite the effort but were unfortunately taken down by the Gold Nuggets in both games, 3-0. 
 
Game 1 
The Lady Mustangs came out with energy at the start of the first set, staying ahead of XULA before they were able to come back and take that set 25-22. This energy kept Xavier (LA.) on their toes all game. This allowed USW to capitalize on mistakes made by their opponents and continue the pressure throughout the match. Although Xavier took all three sets, Coach Cassandra Smith's team put in an excellent effort against the defending conference champions. Senior Alexia Esparza led the way with eleven kills, and Junior Gabriela Tapia delivered with thirteen assists. Senior Valeria Trevino also provided consistent energy for the Lady Mustangs while executing nine digs. "We saw our potential and realized if we had minimized our errors, then we would come out with the win, "said Coach Smith. The rest of the game stayed tight as Xavier (LA.) took set two, 25-23, and set three, 25-20. 
 
Game 2
The second game of the series was controlled by Xavier (LA.) as they swept the sets 25-12, 25-13, and 25-17. XULA came with a relentless push throughout the game and caused the Lady Mustangs to lose their identity. Esparza Trevino put in a good showing with seven kills each. Tapia added another ten assists to her total for the weekend. Esparza and Graduate Student Autumn Lopez both had five digs for the Lady Mustangs. "We lost sight of our goals in the second match and were trying too hard to replicate our play from the night before rather than focus on the current task at hand, "explained Coach Smith. "Though it wasn't a good showing, we know what we can do and are looking towards the rest of our season optimistically." 
 
Volleyball will be back in action next Friday and Saturday for a conference series at Jarvis Christian. Continue to follow USW Athletics and USW Volleyball on all social media for scores and updates throughout the season.