Historic Night for UTEP Volleyball: Alyssa Sianez Breaks All-Time Dig Record!

In an electrifying atmosphere at Club Memorial, over 2,300 fans witnessed a historic moment for UTEP Volleyball on Wednesday night. Alyssa Sianez made her mark in the program's history by becoming the all-time career leader in digs. This remarkable achievement was celebrated with a thrilling 3-1 victory over NM State, further solidifying the Miners’ dominance in the sport.

Match Highlights

The Miners' victory over NM State not only showcased their skill but also improved their record to 16-2 (6-0 Conference USA), while NM State fell to 9-9 (3-3 CUSA).

• First Set: UTEP started strong, dominating NM State with a score of 25-11. Key contributions came from Kaya Weaver and Kalia Kohler, who set the tone early.
• Second Set: The momentum continued as the Miners secured the second set 25-16, thanks to powerful serves and solid defense.
• Third Set: NM State fought back, taking the third set 25-21, but UTEP quickly regrouped.
• Fourth Set: The Miners closed out the match decisively, winning 25-17.

Player Performances

Several players shone brightly during the match, contributing to this historic victory:

• Kaya Weaver: Led UTEP's offense with 12 kills, boasting an impressive hitting percentage of .647.
• Kalia Kohler: Combined for 22 assists and recorded 6 service aces, showcasing her versatility.
• Alyssa Sianez: Anchored the defense with 18 digs, cementing her place in UTEP history.
• Blocking Efforts: Weaver, Torrance Lovesee, and Danika Washington each contributed with 4 blocks at the net.

Record Book Notes

The night was not just about winning; it was about milestones:

• Kaya Weaver’s .647 hitting percentage ties for fourth-best in program history for a four-set match.
• Kalia Kohler’s six aces tie for 11th all-time, and the team’s total of 14 service aces ties for third.
• This win marks UTEP's first regular season sweep over NM State since 2021, a significant milestone in the Battle of I-10 rivalry.

Fun Fact

Alyssa Sianez broke the all-time dig record previously held by Sarah Villa, who set the mark in a match against NM State back in 2016. Fittingly, Sianez surpassed this milestone in the same venue, adding an emotional layer to her achievement.

Looking Ahead

The Miners are set to hit the road, facing Louisiana Tech on October 12-13, aiming to continue their successful season.

What do you think?

• Do you believe Alyssa Sianez's achievement will inspire future UTEP volleyball players?
• Is the rivalry between UTEP and NM State one of the fiercest in college volleyball?
• Should more attention be given to women's sports at the collegiate level?
• What are your thoughts on the importance of historical records in sports? Do they matter?