Box Score Silver City, N.M. – The Western New Mexico University Volleyball team played a four set match up in Drag's Court for their home opener, against LSC foe St. Mary's University. The Rattlers clawed their way through the game to defeat the Mustangs 3-1. 

Senior Bria Augustine (Bellflower, CA/Mayfair High School) led the Mustang offense with 14 kills on the night. Senior veteran, Megan Custer (El Paso, TX/Eastwood High School) also had a great night landing herself 13 kills throughout the showdown. Another senior, Maggie Roe (Boulder City, NV/Boulder City High School) assisted the Mustangs in scoring points with 9 kills for the match.

Madelynn Culp (Vancouver, WA/Union High School) and Hailey Hertzog (Phoenix, AZ/Chaparral High School) both tied the match in assists as the two players played a role in the Mustang offense ending with 21 assists each. 
For the Mustang defense, dig leader Janey Cortez (El Paso, TX/East Lake HS) ended with a total of 16 digs along with 2 aces. Augustine put up a great defensive show landing 11 digs and 3 blocks on the night. 

The first set in the match up resulted in the Mustangs battling their way through a hole where they were unfortunately unable to jump out giving the Rattlers a 25-17 win. In set two, WNMU did not let down their wall as the team had high energy but were just short of momentum giving the Rattlers a 2-0 lead in the match ending 25-21. Set three was a rude awakening for the Rattlers as the Mustangs showed their competitiveness and drive to face the challenge. This boded well for WNMU and they took set three 25-23. Set four was a nail-biting thriller where the Mustangs held two great leads but were shot down by the Rattler's offense costing them a 25-21 loss. 

The Mustangs will stay home for their next home game Saturday October 2^nd, at 12:00 MDT. WNMU will be taking on St. Edward's University for their second home match of the season. 
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