Silver City, N.M. – The Mustang volleyball team hits the road this weekend to take on in-state rival Eastern New Mexico, followed by West Texas A&M.
The Mustangs went 2-0 last weekend, playing host to Cameron and MSU Texas.
Friday's match against the Cameron Aggies, saw the Mustangs come out strong taking the first set 25-10. The Aggies fought back to take the second set, and then went on to win the third set taking a 2-1 lead. The Mustangs fought back to tie the match at two sets a piece. A winner take all set had Western New Mexico coming out on top by a score of 15-10 and the match.
Saturday's match versus MSU Texas saw the Mustangs take the match in four sets, going 2-0 at home, and improving their record to 6-6 overall.
Freshman
Bria Augustine (Bell Flower, CA/Mayfair High School) continues to lead the team offensively posting double digit kill performances in both matches last weekend. It will be a battle this weekend, as Jasmine Gannon of Eastern New Mexico leads the conference averaging 3.64 kills per set, with Augustine coming in at a close second with 3.56.
Freshman teammate
Madelynn Culp (Vancouver, WA/Union High School) currently ranks ninth in the conference with 5.42 assists per set.
Junior transfer
Gabi Lau (Kailua, HI/University Laboratory School) comes in at number 4 in the conference rankings, averaging 4.92 digs per set.
Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds
Record: 5-8 Overall (3-3 Conf.)
The Greyhounds look to build on their five-set win over West Texas A&M earlier this week. Last weekend's conference play, saw the Greyhounds face Angelo State and Tarleton, going 0-2.
Sophomore, outside hitter Jasmine Gannon currently leads the conference in kills per set at 3.64. Senior setter, Kaitlyn Kluna paces the offense averaging 3.64 assists p/set. Defensively, redshirt senior Alba Ontiveros averages 4.55 digs p/set.
Last season had the teams splitting the season, with the Mustangs winning the first game early on. The second meeting between the teams, had Eastern New Mexico come out on top.
West Texas A&M Lady Buffs
Record: 7-6 Overall (2-3 Conf.)
The Lady Buffs look to rebound after dropping their last game to Eastern New Mexico, and last weekend's matches against Angelo State and Tarleton.
The Lady Buffs offensive efforts are led by junior outside hitter, Taylor Kress (2.89 k/set), and junior setter Selena Batiste (6.33 assists/set.) Batiste also averages, 0.35 aces per set. Defensively, sophomore libero Chandler Vogul, is second in the conference with 243 digs (5.28 p/set.)
Last season's meetings between the Mustangs and Lady Buffs, were identical to the series between WNMU and ENMU. The Mustangs won the first meeting at home against West Texas. They would then meet again later on in the season, with West Texas victorious.