LAS CRUCES, N.M. – New Mexico State volleyball defeated UTEP in the Battle of I-10 on Tuesday night. NM State defeated the Miners at the Pan American Center 25-19, 25-19, 25-18 to complete the sweep.

"UTEP is a good defensive team and they have a few good arms. There were some long rallies and UTEP certainly won its fair share of them," head coach Mike Jordan said. "I think we were the more physical team and that showed. I liked the way we passed it and the way we served the ball. We blocked well. We didn't hit the ball particularly well, but it's a work in progress."

How It Happened

The Aggies took an early lead in the first set, holding a 6-3 advantage over the Miners. After UTEP tied the match at eight, NM State surged ahead with a six-point scoring run. Despite a late rally by the Miners, New Mexico State remained in control and defeated UTEP 25-19.

NM State went point-for-point with the Miners to start the second set but UTEP pulled ahead, taking a 10-6 lead. New Mexico State battled back and was able to hold a 19-16 advantage over the Miners late in the set. The Aggies closed out the set on a four point run and topped UTEP 25-19.

New Mexico State and UTEP kept it close throughout the third set but a scoring run with Ariadnne Sierra behind the service line gave NM State a two-point lead. The Aggies remained in control and charged forward late in the set as NM State kept a 21-16 advantage. New Mexico State held off the Miners to complete the sweep over UTEP.

By the Numbers

NM State posted 41 kills, 10 blocks and 47 digs in the match. Sasha-Lee Thomas led the Aggies with 12 kills and six block assists. Sierra recorded a team-high 13 digs while Briana Ainsworth tallied 21 assists to lead New Mexico State.

The Aggies begin Western Athletic Conference play on the road against UT Rio Grande Valley this weekend. NM State takes on UTRGV on Saturday, Sept. 23 with first serve scheduled for 11 a.m. (MT).