Biassou's record day helps UNM volleyball edge Nevada

Nov. 11—Nothing like finishing the home schedule on a dramatic note.

Kaitlynn Biassou etched her name in the University of New Mexico's volleyball record books, racking up 21 kills and helping the Lobos to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Nevada on Saturday.

The Lobos spent much of the day battling from behind before pulling out a 23-25, 25-22, 22-25, 25-23, 15-9 win in front of 1,589 fans at Johnson Center.

Biassou, one of seven seniors playing their final home match for UNM, had a monster day with 21 kills, 9 blocks and 8 digs. In the process she surpassed former All-American Chantale Riddle for the program's career records in kills (1,636) and points (1.916).

Biassou started the day needing nine kills to overtake Riddle, which she accomplished early in the third set. After a few high-fives with teammates, Biassou went back to work and was at her best late as the Lobos (18-9, 10-6) fought off a determined effort from the Wolf Pack.

Uxue Guereca (19 kills), Athina Dimitriadis (15) and Kali Wolf (10) also had big outings for UNM, which effectively clinched a spot in the six-team Mountain West tournament with two road matches left to play. The Lobos climbed into a three-way tie for second place in the MWC with Colorado State and Fresno State.

"We absolutely had to have this one," Lobos coach Jon Newman-Gonchar said. "With two tough road matches (at Colorado State and Wyoming) left, we needed to build some momentum. Coming back the way we did today is a big boost."

The win did not come without some anxious moments as Nevada took a 2-1 set lead and pulled even at 15-15 in the fourth set. But the Lobos found a spark, feeding Biassou at the net to take set four and pulling away late in the fifth.

Gabby McLaughlin had 18 kills for the Wolf Pack, which dropped two five-set decisions to UNM this season. The Lobos visit Colorado State on Thursday at 7 p.m.