USF Senior Writer

ALBUQUERQUE - The USF volleyball team didn't get any wins in a season-opening trip to New Mexico, but the experience was valuable.

The Bulls lost in three sets to New Mexico State, 25-18, 25-18, 25-17, on Saturday night after dropping a four-set heartbreaker in their season opener against New Mexico late Friday.

"This was a disappointing follow-up to last night's match," USF head coach Claire Lessinger said Saturday. "We had way too many unforced errors and couldn't put the ball away."

J'beria Davis led USF with 11 kills, while Janice Rivera and Valerie El Houssine combined for 15 digs in the Bulls' final match at the New Mexico Invite.

Freshman Shelbie Dailey shined in her first start at the setter position with a 16-assist performance.

The Bulls get a chance to bounce back on their own court during the USF Invitational Sept. 2-4 at the campus' newly renovated recreation center. USF's first match in the event is against Eastern Kentucky at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 2.

"We learned a lot about ourselves against tough competition this weekend," Lessinger said. "It's time to get back in the gym and work on all the little things in order to sharpen our skills for our home opener."