Lacey, Wash. – The Western New Mexico Volleyball team was back in action Friday September 2^nd at the Saint Martin Invitational, in Lacey, Washington. The Mustangs would go 1-1 on the day after defeating Westminster College in four sets and losing to Western Oregon in four sets ay Marcus Pavilion.

In game one Senior Bria Augustine (Bellflower, CA/Mayfair High School) was living above the net today, as she totaled 19 kills in the game. Sophomore Jazmyne Walker (Las Vegas, NV/Legacy HS) was finding the defense soft spots all game, as she had an impressive four aces.

Senior Madelynn Culp (Vancouver, WA/Union High School) was pacing the Mustang attack as totaled with 22 assists. Freshman Peyton Castillo (Las Vegas, NV/Sierra Vista HS) followed the senior Culp closely with 21 assists.

The Mustang defense was covering every spot on the floor tonight as sophomore Janey Cortez (El Paso, TX/East Lake HS) was a "dig-machine" totaling 18 digs. Senior Madison Gardner (Oak Hills, CA/Oak Hills HS) was a force at the net recording three blocks on the night.

Set one started with the Mustangs taking control from the first serve, building their lead to a 20-9 advantage over the Griffons. The Griffons made a late rally to close the gap, but the Mustangs would hold on and win 25-19.

The Mustangs would dominate set two by quickly going up 18-8 on the Griffons. The set would stay in the Mustangs favor, as they would win the set 25-13.

In set three the Griffons would find their groove and jump out to a 14-10 lead. The Griffons would maintain an advantage in set and go on and win the set 25-22.

Set four the Mustangs fell behind early and quickly, as the Griffons jumped out to a 9-3 lead. The Mustangs would have to play the comeback kids. They would play that roll successfully and take set four 25-20 and win the match 3-1 for the first victory of the season.

In game two sophomore Jazmyne Walker (Las Vegas, NV/Legacy HS) was the focal point of the Mustang offense, total 19 kills against the Wolves. Senior Madelynn Culp (Vancouver, WA/Union High School) was able to spread the ball around the floor tonight as she totaled 21 assists. Freshman Peyton Castillo (Las Vegas, NV/Sierra Vista HS) was hitting her hitters in stride as she finished with another 20-assist game.

Sophomore Janey Cortez (El Paso, TX/East Lake HS) was once again all over the floor tonight, as she racked up 16 digs. Senior Zoë Chatterton hosted a block party of her own tonight as she finished with three blocks.

In set one the Mustangs would quickly jump out to a 10-4 advantage on the Wolves. The Wolves would be able to close the cap to three, but never take the lead as the Mustangs took set one 25-22.

Set two was a deadlock battle between the Wolves and the Mustangs as the teams would be tied 10-10 early. The Mustangs would lead 23-21 late but would lose the set 25-23.

The wolves would run away with set three, jumping out to a 15-3 lead. The Mustangs were never able to get going in set three, as they would drop the set 25-15.

In set four the Wolves would take the lead early, 11-6, and never let go of it. The Mustangs would lose set four 25-18 and lose the match 3-1.

The Mustangs will be back in action at Marcus Pavilion against Colorado Christian University (10:00AM MT) on Saturday September 3^rd in their final game of the Saint Martin Invitational.

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).