DALLAS, TX — Dallas Baptist (9-4, 3-2 Lone Star) overcame a second-set loss to defeat Western New Mexico (8-8, 3-3 Lone Star) in four sets on Thursday evening at Burg Center, with final scores of 25-16, 22-25, 25-17, 25-21.
Western New Mexico opened the first set with a service error by
Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School), but quickly responded with a kill by
Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) assisted by Haggard. The team battled through early service errors but managed to keep pace with DBU, finding success with blocks from
Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School) and Brynlee Barris to equalize at 4-4. Midway through the set, Western New Mexico gained brief momentum with a service ace by
Carley Deck (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School) and a series of effective plays, including a kill by Kaitlyn Salgado and another service ace from Mikelle McAfee, leveling the score at 11-11. Despite this effort, DBU capitalized on a sequence of errors and successful kills, pulling away to lead 19-13. Western New Mexico continued to fight, with Barris and
Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/Shanghai American School) adding crucial points, yet DBU maintained their advantage. A late push by DBU, fueled by Reagan Fifer's offensive contributions, closed the set at 25-16 in favor of the home team.
Western New Mexico turned the tide in the second set after an early deficit against DBU. Despite initial challenges, including a series of points by DBU, Western New Mexico capitalized on errors and a bad set to narrow the gap to 10-4. The team then went on an impressive run, highlighted by a kill from Posthumus and a service ace by Ava Frezza, leveling the score at 15-15. Continuing their momentum, Western New Mexico established a lead with key plays, including consecutive kills by Barris and Hailey Meeks, pushing ahead to 19-16. DBU attempted a late rally, but Western New Mexico maintained composure. A service ace by McAfee and an attack error by DBU's Blue Anderson closed the set, securing a 25-22 win for Western New Mexico.
Western New Mexico opened the third set with a kill from Posthumus, but DBU quickly established momentum with an early 3-0 lead. Western New Mexico responded with notable contributions from Salgado and Rampton, narrowing the gap to 7-6 with key kills and a block from Rampton and Barris. Despite these efforts, DBU maintained their advantage with a series of attacks, pushing the score to 19-12. Western New Mexico continued to fight back, with Meeks and Barris contributing to cut the deficit to 21-16. However, DBU closed the set with a final burst, winning 25-17.
Western New Mexico began the fourth set by capitalizing on an early service error from Lauren Witte of DBU, taking a 1-0 lead. Despite trading points through the initial exchanges, Western New Mexico remained competitive, with Meeks and Salgado contributing crucial kills that kept the score close at 5-4 in favor of DBU. As the set progressed, Western New Mexico faced a challenging stretch, falling behind 11-6 as DBU's Karly Wells and Ella Swinn delivered multiple kills. However, Western New Mexico responded with a service ace and a pair of kills from Salgado, narrowing the deficit to 13-11. Western New Mexico continued to stay within striking distance, as Posthumus added two key kills to keep the team close at 18-16. Despite efforts to close the gap, including a late service error by DBU, Western New Mexico could not overcome the DBU lead, ultimately falling 25-21.
Brynlee Barris led Western New Mexico with 11 kills on 20 attempts, contributing significantly to the team's offensive efforts. Kaitlyn Salgado added nine kills while maintaining a hitting percentage of .400, showcasing her efficiency in the attack.
Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/Shanghai American School) contributed both offensively and defensively with three kills and a block assist. Meanwhile,
Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School) facilitated the offense, recording 11 assists and adding a service ace.
Reagan Fifer stood out for DBU with a remarkable .789 hitting percentage, tallying 15 kills on 19 attempts without an error. Lauren Witte contributed significantly with 18 points, including 15 kills and three service aces, while also adding 12 digs. Madisyn Jones was effective in setting, recording 16 assists alongside her three kills. Karly Wells added depth, achieving 11 kills and leading with three service aces, contributing to her 14.5 points. Meanwhile, Ella Swinn was efficient, posting a .400 hitting percentage with 10 kills on 15 attempts.
Looking ahead, Western New Mexico will travel to face Texas Woman's at Kitty Magee Arena in Denton, TX. The match is set for Saturday, Oct. 11, at 1 p.m.
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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 (X, TikTok & Instagram).
