Pomona, CA – Thursday night was the season opener for Western New Mexico University's volleyball team. WNMU hit the road, going to Southern California, playing in a three-day four-game tournament hosted by Cal Poly Pomona. The Mustangs would match up against the hosts, Cal Poly Pomona for the season opener, before being defeated in three sets.

After playing only four matches in the spring of 2021 and adding 9 new additions, the Mustangs were energized to be back on the court.

"It was so incredible to be back on the court. We are excited for this team and full season!" Said Head Coach Holly Watts.

Senior Maggie Roe (Boulder City, NV/Boulder City High School) had a great night having 11 kills; five of which were in the 1st set, two in the 2nd set, and four in the 3rd set. Bria Augustine (Bellflower, CA/Mayfair High School) would 8 kills on the night as well.

Setter, Hailey Hertzog (Phoenix, AZ/Chaparral High School) had a great night distributing the ball around, ending with 26 assists.

WNMU would find themselves down early in all three sets, but would continue to fight back. The Mustangs would end the first set down 25-17. In sets two and three, a combination of the Broncos fire power and the Mustangs errors severed too much for WNMU. The Mustangs were down two sets after CPP won 25-14. The third set was much of the same, as the Broncos would take the third set 25-15 and the match 3-0.

The Broncos serves caused some confusion for the Mustangs netting 10 aces to compared to WNMU's three. WNMU would also have 8 service errors putting themselves in a deeper hole.

"Tomorrow is a new day. The jitters are gone, as it has been so long since we have last played" said Watts. " It is very exciting to have lots of young players playing their first collegiate match."
 

Mustangs to Highlight:

M. Roe: 11 kills, 1 Block

B. Augustine: 8 kills, 4 digs

H. Hertzog: 26 assists, 12 digs
 

The Mustangs are back in action tomorrow (9/3) playing two matches against Concordia University-Irvine at 2:00 PM MT and CSU Dominguez Hills at 5:30 PM MT.

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 Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (Twitter & Instagram).