Silver City, NM- The Western New Mexico University Volleyball team kicked off the Green Chile Classic with a home match against Cal Poly Humboldt at Drag's Court on Thursday evening. After four hard fought sets, the Mustangs dropped the match against the Lumberjacks 3-1.

Sophomore Vianey Lopez Marrufo (El Paso, TX/Del Valle HS) (El Paso, TX/Del Valle High School) lead the Mustang attack with 17 kills and a .333 hitting percentage. Veteran Madelynn Culp (Vancouver, WA/Union High School) (Vancouver, WA/Union High School) was setting up her hitters with ease tonight as she totaled 19 assists. Senior Madison Gardner (Oak Hills, CA/Oak Hills HS) (Oak Hills, CA/Oak Hills High School) was a blocking machine up front as she totaled four blocks on the night.

The back row of the Mustangs had a busy night as sophomore Janey Cortez (El Paso, TX/East Lake HS) (El Paso, TX/East Lake High School) recorded 13 digs. Vianey Lopez Marrufo (El Paso, TX/Del Valle HS) (El Paso, TX/Del Valle High School) followed her closely with nine digs.

The Mustangs started set one in a stalemate, but after a few costly errors by the Lumberjacks would give the Mustangs a resounding 25-15 win.
In set two, the Lumberjacks dominated the Mustangs early and took a commanding 15-4 led. The Mustangs regrouped and would pull set within five points, 19-14. Unfortunately, it was not enough as the Lumberjacks took set two 25-18.

The Lumberjacks took lead early in set three and never gave it up. After trailing 19-11 the Mustangs dug deep and grinded out seven of the next eight points to close gap to 20-18. The Lumberjacks regrouped and defeated the Mustangs 25-21.

Set four was full of back-and-forth action between the teams. Neither team was able to build more than a five-point lead. The Mustangs had a chance to take the set as they were up 24-23, but ultimately the Lumberjacks prevailed a took the set 29-27.

The Western New Mexico Mustangs will be back in action at Drag's Court against Fort Lewis College (1:00PM MT) and Cal State East Bay (7:00PM MT) on Friday August 26^th to continue the Green Chile Classic.

This game recap is presented by First American Bank. First American Bank is a proud supporter of WNMU Athletics!     

 

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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).