EL PASO, Texas — UTEP volleyball returns home tonight with an opportunity to continue its strong start to the 2026 Mountain West season.
The UTEP Miners enter tonight’s matchup against UNLV with an 11 and 4 overall record and a 2 and 0 record in Mountain West play. The Miners opened conference play on the road at Wyoming, winning both matches and starting their first season in the Mountain West on a strong note.
Now, UTEP volleyball gets its first opportunity to play a Mountain West opponent at home.
UTEP Volleyball Off to a 2 and 0 Start
The Miners opened Mountain West play with a pair of victories against Wyoming.
UTEP showed its strength on both sides of the net throughout the series, receiving contributions from its offense, defense and serving game.
The Miners recorded 54 kills, 50 assists, 48 digs and 15 blocks in their second match against Wyoming. UTEP also hit .283 as a team while holding Wyoming to a .100 hitting percentage.
Ema Uskokovic led UTEP with 14 kills while hitting .419. Lauren Perry added 10 kills and three service aces.
At the net, Luvina Oguntimehin delivered a standout defensive performance with a career high nine total blocks.
Kalia Kohler also recorded a double double with 26 assists and 12 digs, helping keep the UTEP offense moving throughout the match.
UNLV Presents the Next Challenge
UNLV will be the next test for the Miners as UTEP looks to remain unbeaten in Mountain West play.
The matchup also gives UTEP an opportunity to establish itself at home in its new conference.
The Miners have plenty of experience entering the Mountain West. UTEP finished the 2025 season with a 25 and 5 record, won the Conference USA regular season championship and earned another NCAA Tournament appearance.
That experience could be important as the Miners navigate their first season in the Mountain West.
What to Watch Against UNLV
One of the biggest storylines tonight will be UTEP’s play at the net.
The Miners have been effective defensively this season and have already established themselves as a strong blocking team.
The offensive production from Uskokovic and Perry will also be important. UTEP has multiple players capable of producing kills, giving the Miners different ways to attack opposing defenses.
Kohler’s play at setter will be another key factor. Her ability to distribute the ball and keep UTEP’s offense balanced could help the Miners control the match.
First Mountain West Home Match in El Paso
Tonight’s match represents more than another game on the schedule.
It is UTEP volleyball’s first Mountain West home match.
After beginning conference play on the road, the Miners will have the opportunity to introduce Mountain West volleyball to their home crowd in El Paso.
UTEP enters the match with momentum and a 2 and 0 conference record. A victory against UNLV would move the Miners to 3 and 0 in Mountain West play and give the team another important early conference win.
With the Mountain West season just beginning, every conference match carries importance.
For UTEP volleyball, the goal tonight is simple: protect home court and continue the momentum from Wyoming.
UTEP Volleyball vs UNLV
UTEP and UNLV will meet tonight in El Paso as the Miners begin their Mountain West home schedule.
The Miners enter the matchup at 11 and 4 overall and 2 and 0 in conference play.
After a successful opening weekend on the road, UTEP volleyball now gets its first chance to make a statement at home.
The Mountain West era has officially arrived in El Paso.
And tonight, UTEP gets to play its first chapter at home.
