RENO, Nev. -- In front of a record crowd at Virginia Street Gym, Nevada Volleyball fell in a competitive 3-1 match to in-state rival UNLV, marking their sixth highest attendance (1,206) since November 21, 2004. The Wolf Pack's overall record now stands at 12-15, with a 5-11 mark in Mountain West Conference play. 

The Wolf Pack faced an early struggle in the first set due to missed serves that disrupted their momentum. Despite efforts from McKenna Dressel, who made it 2-2 with a kill, and Tehya Maeva at 4-7, Nevada couldn't regain the lead. Gabby McLaughlin's kill at 12-14 and Bella Snyder's point at 13-16 kept Nevada within reach. Maeva's timely kill and a block from Carissa Chainey helped close the gap at 17-19, but UNLV held on to take the first set 25-20. 

Nevada started strong in the second set with an early 5-1 advantage, highlighted by McLaughlin and Sia Liilii's kills and Snyder's block at 7-2. Chainey added to the lead at 10-5, and an ace by McLaughlin pushed it to 18-13. However, UNLV fought back, tying the game at 21-21 and eventually taking the set 25-23 after a tight finish. 

The third set saw Nevada's best performance, sparked by McLaughlin's kills and Sierra Bernard's back-to-back service aces, giving Nevada an 8-5 edge. Snyder and Maeva's combined block at 12-6 bolstered the defense, and Liilii's kill at 24-21 set up the winning point. Dressel's solo block sealed the set 25-21 for Nevada. 

UNLV responded in the fourth set, maintaining a slight lead despite efforts from Nevada's front line. Dressel tied her career-high with six block assists, and the Pack battled back from an 11-14 deficit to tie it at 14-14, thanks to plays by Chainey and a combined block by Dressel and Liilii. McLaughlin's late kills kept Nevada close at 18-20, but UNLV secured the final set 25-20. 

McLaughlin led Nevada with 14 kills and 10 digs showcasing her offensive prowess throughout the match. Liilii, Chainey and Snyder followed with seven kills each. Maeva played a pivotal role with 28 assists and 9 digs, supporting both offensive and defensive efforts. Kinsley Singleton led the team in digs with 24. Bernard contributed 12 assists and two service aces, adding crucial pressure from the service line. The team now turns its attention to the final week of conference play on the road.