UTEP volleyball wins inaugural match at renovated Memorial Gym

The UTEP Miners volleyball team defeated New Mexico State in five sets Monday in the inaugural match at the newly renovated Memorial Gym, according to KVIA.

Outside hitter Landry Braziel led UTEP with 12 kills, while teammate Mackenzi Davis added 11 kills. Head coach Ben Wallis said the team's ability to blend young freshmen with veteran players proved decisive down the stretch. "A lot of young freshmen went out there along with the good veterans, and our veterans and our freshmen together made the plays at the end," Wallis said. "That's really awesome."

Wallis dubbed the home crowd "memorial maniacks" for the energy they brought to the renovated facility. After the victory, the coach emphasized the importance of trust and execution as the team moves forward. "That takeaway for us is that I'm not lying and that they just got to trust me and trust each other," Wallis said. "We can go to practice, and we will really take this and roll this into practice on how we hit the ball and how we physically stop people. I like my group."

The win gives UTEP momentum as the season begins. The Miners will travel to face Texas State on September 3 at 4 p.m.