LAS CRUCES, N.M. – NM State grew its conference lead to two games with a win over Utah Valley Friday night at the Pan American Center.

The Aggies, whose record now stands at 16-5 and 6-0 in the Western Athletic Conference, notched their seventh straight win with the 25-19, 15-25, 25-12, 25-22 decision over the Wolverines (8-10, 4-2).

When asked what a win like this means wrapping up the first half of conference play, NM State head coach Mike Jordan said, "It give us a two match cushion, which is great. That's a big time deal."

Sophomore Tatyana Battle set the pace for the Aggies. The Albuquerque, N.M./Cibola HS native led the team with 15 kills and a .312 hitting percentage. All-America candidate Gwen Murphy of Elfrida, Ariz./Valley Union HS had 9 kills and a .300 hitting percentage, with 3 aces.

Freshman Abby Jensen led the way for Utah Valley with 13 kills, while Sophomore Madison Dennison led the team with seven blocks.

The two teams battled back and forth the entire match with the Aggies taking the first set 25-19 and getting five of the last seven points of the frame.
UVU came roaring back in the second set as they went on a 7-1 tear to take a 13-6 advantage. The Aggies cut the lead to four points, but would only get that close as the Wolverines took the set 25-15.

NM State controlled most of the third set by opening with a 7-2 lead. Utah Valley pushed the score to 9-7 at one point, but the Aggies dominated the remainder of the frame taking it 25-12.

The fourth set was the most hotly contested set of the match featuring 15 ties and 10 lead changes. Neither team seemed to be able to gain an advantage until the Aggies rallied to take a 22-20 lead, with the 22nd point coming on an impressive athletic play by Sophomore Ariadnne Sierra.

"Ariadnne Sierra coming of the bench defensively and mading a huge defensive play late in the fourth turned the tide," said Mike Jordan.

NM State ended up taking the set 25-22, and in the process remained undefeated in conference play.

The Aggies are back in action on Saturday at the Pan American Center as they finish up the first half of the WAC schedule by facing off against Seattle U. The Redhawks defeated UT Rio Grand Valley 3-1 on Friday and enter the match in a four-way tie for second place in the WAC with a record of 4-2. First serve is set for 1 p.m.