Rebels volleyball easily defends No. 25 ranking

Led by seniors Lauren Miramontes and Maria Aladjova, the 25th-ranked UNLV women's volleyball team pulled into a tie with Colorado State atop the Mountain West Conference standings Friday night with a 3-0 victory over New Mexico at Cox Pavilion.

UNLV dominated the Lobos in the critical late-season conference matchup.

"We came in really confident," Miramontes said. "Our last match against New Mexico was really intense, and we just always know at home we are going to dominate."

Confidence played a key role in the Rebels' decisive victory as Miramontes led the team with 17 kills on 31 attempts, and Aladjova added a double-double with 10 kills and 14 digs. Melody Nua also had a double-double with 42 assists and 11 digs.

"There is chemistry on this team," said Aldejova, who had 22 kills in the team's win in Albuquerque, N.M., last month. "We're playing for each other and everybody has different motivations, but it all comes together."

Nationally ranked for the first time, the Rebels stormed to their ninth straight victory, improving to 20-3 overall and 11-2 in conference play.

The nine-game winning streak is the second of the season for UNLV.

"I believe in this team," said coach Allison Keeley, who is in her fourth season. "I think they're strong and I think they can easily be (an NCAA Tournament) Sweet 16 team."

The rout began with a 30-19 victory in the first game. The Rebels followed with a 30-20 win in the second game, then dominated the third, winning 30-18, to record their 12th sweep of the season.

The team also finished with a season-high hitting percentage of .359.

"Our leadership on this team has been outstanding," Keeley said. "The girls that are seniors have been playing for four years and they have a lot of experience so they know how to rise to the occasion."

UNLV finishes its home schedule at 7 p.m. today against Texas Christian before ending the season on the road against Utah on Friday and Brigham Young on Nov. 17.

"Everybody knows what they are doing on the court and what their job is," Aladjova said. "We're like a big puzzle, and everybody seems to have their place."