LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Utah Valley University dropped a four-set match at New Mexico State (26-28, 20-25, 25-18, 21-25) on Saturday at the Pan American Center. The loss drops the Wolverines to 10-16 overall and 5-6 in the WAC while the Aggies improve to 14-9 overall and 8-3 in league play.
 
Macky Treanor led UVU with 14 kills while Sierra Starley finished with 27 assists and McKenna Tait added 19 digs. The Wolverines had a solid outing at the net, recording five solo blocks and 22 block assists for a season-high 16.0 blocks.
 
"This was a tough one because we really had our chances, especially in the first set," UVU head coach Sam Atoa said. "We did some great things offensively and defensively and this was the best blocking match we've had so far. They were just a little better today."
 
The Wolverines led 22-19 in the opening set before the Aggies responded with three straight points to tie it. UVU fought off a pair of set points by New Mexico State before an ace by Andrea Tauai to give her team a 1-0 lead. The second set also saw another late run help NMSU to a set win. With the game tied 18-18, the Aggies scored six straight points to pull away and take a 2-0 set lead.

The Wolverines responded in the third, taking early control with a quick 10-2 lead. UVU stretched the advantage to as much as nine points on five different occasions, never allowing the Aggies to make a run. Utah Valley hit .353 in the set and out-hit New Mexico State .195 to .141 overall in the match.

The decisive fourth set was nip and tuck the entire way. The Aggies led 20-17 before the teams alternated the next nine points before ending the match with two straight to win 25-21. The four point differential was the largest advantage either team had in the set.
 
Saturday's contest ends a streak of four straight on the road and Utah Valley will now return to Orem for its final three home matches of the season beginning Thursday night at 7 p.m. against Chicago State. UVU also hosts WAC leader Kansas City on Saturday, Nov. 8 at noon.