LAS CRUCES, N.M. - The Western New Mexico University Volleyball team kicked off their 2023 season with an exhibition match against the Aggies of New Mexico State University. The new look Mustangs would have a great showing, but would fall 3-0, as WNMU was missing four girls on the night due various reasons.
 
"Being able to play NMSU on a bigger stage really helps us prepare for the top teams in the Lone Star and get our feet wet," said Head Coach Geno Frugoli. "Like any early exhibition there were good things and stuff to work on. But I thought we battled well especially in the 2nd set."

Senior Jazmyne Walker (Las Vegas, NV/Legacy HS) led the offense on the night for the Mustangs with nine kills. Jessica Salas (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil/CEL Intercultural School) would follow with six kills of her own. Madalyn Mavady (Las Vegas, NV/Liberty High School) would spread the ball around the court nicely with 16 assists. 

The back row of the Mustangs had a busy night as Janey Cortez (El Paso, TX/East Lake HS) and Walker would each record eight digs on the night. Logan Dodge (Liberal, KS/Liberal Senior High School) would also have six digs herself. Naomi Kimble (Animas, NM/Animas HS) would be a force up front with three blocks.
 
The Mustangs started set one up 3-0 before the Aggies would get on a roll. NMSU would deploy an 8-0 run to run away from the Mustangs, taking set one 25-14.
 
Aggies 1, Mustangs 0.

In set two, the Mustangs would come out much better, leading 17-15 towards the end of the set. The Mustangs would lose their lead but hang around as long as they could until they were eventually defeated 25-23.
 
Aggies 2, Mustangs 0.
 
For set number three the Mustangs and the Aggies would trade points back and forth until was 13-13. After that the Aggies would go on a 13-2 run to close out the match 25-15.
 
Aggies 3, Mustangs 0.

The Mustangs will officially kick off their season on September 1^st at the Stanislaus State Tournament against Fresno Pacific University (3:00 PM MT).