Wichita Falls, Texas. -Â The 2024 Volleyball season was officially underway yesterday for the Western New Mexico Mustangs. They would kick off the start of the season with a total of four matches at the Midwestern State Invitational in Wichita Falls, Texas. The Mustangs would battle tough early with each of the sets but would ultimately fall 0-3 against Adams State, win 3-2 against Drury, and fall once more 1-3 against Southern Arkansas.
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"We started out strong and just couldn't sustain it," said Head Coach
Geno Frugoli. "Every day and every match has been am opportunity for this group to learn and get better. We should be in another tight match tonight and I'm looking forward to seeing us take another step in the right direction."
Southern Arkansas:
Jazmyne Walker (Las Vegas, NV/Legacy HS) would lead the offense for the Mustangs with 15 kills.
Eimaya Medina (Las Cruces, NM/) would spread the ball around the court nicely with 25 assists.
Lilouann Bechec (Cannes, France/) would lead our aces with a total of six.
The back row of the Mustangs had a busy game as
Lilouann Bechec (Cannes, France/) would record 17 digs on the court and
Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/) would protect the net with three block assists. Â
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Set 1
The Mustangs would start of strong gaining a seven point run leaving the score 7-1. Continuing to stay in the lead the rest of the set the Mustangs would shut the Muleriders down 25-18 winning the first set.
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Muleriders 0, Mustangs 1.
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Set 2
In set two, the Muleriders jumped out quickly with a 10-4 advantage. The Muleriders would keep their lead to finish off the Mustangs 25-14.Â
Muleriders 1, Mustangs 1.
Set 3Â
For set number three, the Mustangs and Muleriders would start neck and neck tying at 6-6. The Mustangs would come back battling but ultimately fall to the Muleriders 25-23.
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Muleriders 2, Mustangs 1.
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Set 4
The Muleriders use their momentum from the last two sets to gain a lead of 8-4. The Mustangs would try their best to catch up and tighten the gap but would fall short to Muleriders losing 25-21.
Muleriders 3, Mustangs 1.
Northwestern Oklahoma:
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"I Know the team is excited to finish the tournament playing the best volleyball of the weekend and getting our first sweep of the year," said Head Coach
Geno Frugoli. "We are still figuring out how to win and today was another step."
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Jazmyne Walker (Las Vegas, NV/Legacy HS) would be the Mustangs leader on offense for the fourth straight match with 14 kills.
Eimaya Medina (Las Cruces, NM/) dished out 31 assists during the game against Northwestern Oklahoma.Â
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Lilouann Bechec (Cannes, France/) would be covering every spot on the floor as well tonight for the Mustangs with 14 digs.
Carley Deck (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde HS) and
Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/) would do their best with three block assists each.
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Set 1
Set one would start with the Mustangs jumping out to a quick 4-0 lead over the Rangers. The Rangers catch up, but still fall behind leaving the Mustangs to win set one 25-19.
Rangers 0, Mustangs 1.
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Set 2
The Rangers would gain a lead into set two with a 7-1 advantage over the Mustangs. The Mustangs soon fight back and tie it up at 9-9. Gaining a lead and staying there, the Mustangs complete set two 25-20.
Rangers 0, Mustangs 2.
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Set 3
In set number three, the Mustangs will gain a small lead, but ultimately be tied with the Rangers at 7-7. The Mustangs then fight their way to the top to win the match 25-19.
Rangers 0, Mustangs 3.
The Mustangs completed the Midwestern State Invitational 2-2 this weekend. They will continue to work hard and prepare for the Mountaineer Volleyball Classic from Sept. 13 – Sept. 14.
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This game recap is presented by First American Bank. First American Bank is a proud supporter of WNMU Athletics! Â
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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, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube & Instagram).
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