Kearney, NE -- Western New Mexico University's most successful volleyball season in its history ended Friday night as the 4th-seeded Mustangs fell to #5 Mesa State in the first round of the NCAA Southwest Regional, in Kearney, NE. The Mustangs lost in three games to the Mavericks, 23-30, 31-33; and 28-30. WNMU ends the season as the Heartland Conference Champions at 26-5.

The Mavericks controlled WNMU's power hitters, allowing All-Region teammember Stephanie Higgins (Biggsville, IL/) just 10 kills with 14 errors. Jennifer Snowbarger (Oskaloosa, IA/Oskaloosa High School) led the Mustangs with 12 kills. The Mustangs got 10 digs from Courtney Heiser (Tempe, AZ/Marcos de Niza High School) and eight each from Snowbarger and Melanie Tang (Honolulu, HI/Mary Knoll High School).

Mesa State's Nikki Kneuer dominated the game, knocking down 23 kills. The Mavericks will face #1 Nebraska Kearney Saturday in the semifinals.

In other SW Regional action, Kearney beat Colorodo School of Mines in three, Abilene Christian knocked off Central Oklahoma and Metro State defeated West Texas A&M.