LAS CRUCES, N.M. – New Mexico State volleyball opened the Borderland Invitational with a 3-0 win over Abilene Christian. The Aggies won in straight sets 25-17, 25-17, 25-22 to defeat the Wildcats.

"It's nice to get a sweep especially when you have two more matches in the next 24 hours," head coach Mike Jordan said. "[Tatyana Battle] and I spent a lot of time on decision making and shot selection. She did a really good job of working the ball off the edges when we were out of system and did not hit the ball low into the block. For her to make those adjustments and have that success, it's a great thing and that's what you want to see from your players."

How It Happened

New Mexico State (4-3) started the match hot, holding a six-point advantage over ACU (1-7). NM State gave up a run to the Wildcats which brought ACU within a point of the Aggies, but New Mexico State held onto the lead and pulled ahead by five. NM State scored the final three points to close out the 25-17 win in the first set.

The Aggies took control of the second set by jumping out to a 7-2 lead. NM State gave up a four-point run to Abilene Christian, cutting the Aggies lead to a single point. The teams fought for each point, but New Mexico State pulled ahead with a seven-point run. The Aggies kept control and held on to take the second set 25-17.

NM State and ACU went back-and-forth with neither team taking more than a two-point advantage until late in the set. Trailing 20-18, the Aggies went on a run to lead by a point. The small lead would hold and NM State pulled away late for the 25-22 third-set victory.

By the Numbers

New Mexico State led Abilene Christian in kills 46-34, assists 44-32 and digs 49-45. Briana Ainsworth recorded a double-double with 22 assists and 13 digs. Tatyana Battle led the team with a season high 17 kills and hit .457 for the match.

NM State takes on Delaware State at the Pan American Center at 7 p.m. (MT) on Friday. The Aggies close out the Borderland Invitational against Samford on Saturday, Sept 9, at 7 p.m.