USF Volleyball Takes on New Mexico State

The Bulls take on New Mexico State in the second game of the season.

USF takes on New Mexico State (5 PM tip off) in the second game of the New Mexico Invite. New Mexico State is another powerful team that will give the lady Bulls all they can handle in this one. New Mexico State is coming off of a 18-13 season (12-4 in conference, 8-3 at home, 8-6 away) and 2-4 in neutral sites. Expect a home crowd to be in the stands for them as the Bulls look to get off to a solid start in 2011.


New Mexico State lost their first game of the season, but pushed #5 Nebraska to 5 games in their first match before dropping to 0-1 on the season. This is going to be a very tough game for the Bulls.

Senior middle-hitter Kelsey Brennan (6-2) is the leading returning hitter for New Mexico State. She had 235 kills last season (2.26 per set) including 14 service aces and 54 digs, showing she is a threat at the net but can also play the middle as well. In the first match, she had 10 kills and 1 dig, so she is already in mid-season form. Sophomore middle-blocker Desiree Scott (6-2) is another solid player that plays well at the net. She had 106 kills last season, 4 digs, and made 76 blocks.

Senior setter Jemah Devries (5-8) is dangerous on the serve. She had 20 service aces last season and 68 kills to go along with it. She also had 1205 sets (11.06 per set) setting up the offense on the return. In the first game, she had 40 assists and 17 digs to get it started. Senior middle-blocker Michelle Kuester (6-2) had 33 kills last year, 1 service ace, 6 digs and blocked 30 shots and will continue to play a big factor for New Mexico State in the season.


Two freshman made a statement in the first game. Meredith Hays had 18 kills and 7 digs in her first collegiate game. Bradley Nash had 8 kills and 6 digs as well.

New Mexico State is coming off of a tough first game of the season after facing Nebraska. The Cornhuskers were 29-3 last season (19-1 in conference play) and 3-1 on neutral sites. They were able to hang in there and push Nebraska to the breaking point before they fell. They may be tired a bit in the game or they could be more confident than ever. No matter what, it will be a tough game, hope the ladies can come away with a solid win.