LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The New Mexico State volleyball team looks to extend its winning streak in a pair of road Western Athletic Conference matches against Kansas City on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 6 p.m. (MT) and Chicago State on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 11 a.m.
 Where to Watch
The Aggies Thursday night WAC match at Kansas City is set to stream live on the Roo Sports Network.
Follow Along
Thursday's match will have live stats available through SideArm while live stats for Saturday can be found here. Â
Offense Sells, Defense Wins
NM State has impressed on offense with a .265 hitting percentage that ranks 21st nationally but it's the defense that has dominated for the Aggies. As of Wednesday, Oct. 15, the Aggies rank top-10 in three different defensive category. New Mexico State ranks eighth in total blocks (191.0), second in blocks per set (3.08) and leads the nation in opponent hitting percentage (.093).
With You in the Middle
Middle blockers Megan Hart and Julianna Salanoa are both posting fantastic years and find themselves ranked top-15 nationally. Hart leads the WAC in hitting percentage at .440 which ranks her eighth in the nation. Salanoa has been a brick wall defensively, as she ranks 10th nationally in blocks per set (1.47) and 14th in total blocks (91), both of which lead the WAC.
Scouting the Roos
Kansas City enters Thursday's matchup with a 9-7 record overall and sits in second place in the WAC with a 5-1 conference mark. The Roos are riding a three game winning streak and have won seven of their last eight matches. Last season, the Aggies swept Kansas City on the road, beat the Roos 3-2 in Las Cruces and then beat them in four at the WAC Tournament.
Offensively, Kansas City ranks third in the WAC in hitting percentage at .2224 while leading the league in assists per set (12.28). The Roos' Alli Schomers leads the WAC in assists per set at 9.66. They also rank second to the Aggies in the kills per set at 13.10.
Kansas City is not as solid defensively as it ranks in the bottom half of the league in a number of defensive categories. The Roos rank sixth in both opponent hitting percentage (.213) and blocks (201).
A Look at Chicago State
The Cougars have lost eight straight matches and sit at 4-16 overall and 0-6 in WAC play. NM State swept Chicago State in both matches last season.
Chicago State's offense ranks fourth in the WAC in kills and is led by Beatriz Palmieri with 198. However, the Cougars have struggled on defense, ranking dead last in the conference in opponent hitting percentage (.228) and blocks (149).
Last Time Out
The Aggies hosted CSU Bakersfield on Thursday, Oct. 10, and GCU on Saturday, Oct. 12. NM State won both matches to run its winning streak to seven matches.
Against the Runners, Cat Kelly posted 13 kills, Savannah Davison 10 and Ashley Anselmo 11 in a 3-1 win. Libero Analyssa Acosta was also on her game as she recorded 14 digs.
Grand Canyon entered last weekend's matchup with a 14-3 record and in second place to the Aggies in the WAC standings. Redshirt senior Megan Hart put on a monster performance with 19 kills and six blocks to lead an NM State sweep.
Up Next
NM State returns to the Mesilla Valley for three-straight matches starting on Thursday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m. (MT) against Utah Valley. As always, students get in free to all home matches with a valid student I.D.
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