NM State Volleyball Advances in CUSA Championship with Win Over Sam Houston
EL PASO, TEXAS – In an electrifying start to the 2024 CUSA Championship, NM State showcased their dominance by defeating Sam Houston in four sets, securing their place in the semifinals where they will face rival UTEP.
The Aggies, entering the tournament as the third seed, opened the match with a challenging start, losing the first set 25-21. However, they rebounded impressively, taking the next three sets with scores of 25-8, 25-16, and 25-20. Mari Sharp led the charge for NM State, recording a career-high 23 kills along with nine digs, while teammate Yasso Amin contributed significantly with 16 kills and four blocks.
NM State’s performance was marked by offensive efficiency, boasting a .326 hitting percentage and a remarkable 64 kills—third-most in the program this season. Defensively, the Aggies demonstrated resilience with 72 digs, just shy of their four-set record.
Head Coach Mike Jordan acknowledged the team’s rocky beginning but was pleased with their performance after settling into the game. “Once we got in a rhythm, we were good,” he remarked. As they prepare for their next challenge against second-seeded UTEP, Coach Jordan emphasized the importance of improving their blocking strategy.
The highly anticipated Battle of I-10 is scheduled for Sunday, November 23, at 2:30 PM, as NM State looks to earn a spot in the CUSA Championship match. UTEP enters the matchup with an impressive season record of 27-4, having recently swept Liberty.
As NM State gears up for the semifinals, both teams and their fans eagerly anticipate an action-packed showdown that promises to be a highlight of the championship. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+ and will be available for follow-up via nmstatestats.com.
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Photo credit nmstatesports.com
