Volleyball standout was an emergency option for Lobos
Sours suited up but did not play Saturday
Just about no one expected Devanne Sours to suit up for the University of New Mexico women’s basketball team when the Lobos hosted Fresno State last Saturday, Sours included.
Yet there she was, warming up with the Lobos in uniform No. 11 as fans double-taked and asked one another, “Who’s that?”
Fans familiar with UNM’s volleyball program recognized Sours, a standout outside hitter who racked up her 1,000th career kill as a senior last indoor season. Her senior season with UNM’s beach volleyball team tips off next week.
But Sours’ sudden appearance in a Lobo basketball uniform, sporting the uniform number assigned to injured sophomore Emily Lines, was enough to cause plenty of confusion. Lines is 6-foot1, Sours is 6-2 and both have dark hair.
Lobo coach Mike Bradbury did little to clarify things when asked about Sours after the Lobos’ 66-57 victory — a game in which Sours did not appear.
“I think her name is Devanne,” Bradbury deadpanned without further comment.
Bradbury and Sours were a bit more forthcoming Monday, when Sours participated in beach volleyball practice but did not don a basketball jersey.
“Devanne was an emergency player who was nice enough to help us out,” Bradbury said. “She had a great spirit about the whole thing. She was great.”
Bradbury felt compelled to seek emergency help Friday after junior Jayda Bovero became ill. The Lobos, who have lost three players to season-ending knee injuries in 2016-17, have just eight healthy players including Bovero.
With that in mind, Bradbury called Lobo volleyball coach Jeff Nelson to ask for help. Sours, an All-State basketball player at Tatum High School back in the day, volunteered.
“I found out Friday at about 5 o’clock that they needed someone,” Sours said. “I’m always down to help other UNM sports. Why not?”
Sours said she often plays “pickup ball with a bunch of guys,” and had been on the court as recently as Thursday. She first met her new Lobos teammates at Saturday morning’s pregame shoot-around.
“I did well in warmups, tried to make a few shots,” she said. “Everyone was really nice.”
But no one was more relieved than Sours when Bovero recovered enough to play against Fresno State. Sours did not ask Bradbury about playing time.
“I tried not to make eye contact with him,” she said, “so he wouldn’t think about putting me in.”
The rest of the Lobos dragged Sours along for a postgame autograph session on the Pit floor, but the senior avoided writer’s cramp.
“I hid on the other side of the arena,” Sours said. “I didn’t feel right about signing basketball posters.”
Sours will not travel to UNM’s Wednesday game at Colorado State or any ensuing road games, but she is set to practice Friday and be on the bench for Saturday’s home contest against Wyoming. Sours, Bradbury and Nelson hope no emergencies will arise.
“We need her,” Nelson said, “more than basketball does.”
Wednesday UNM at Colorado State 7 p.m. 610 AM