SILVER CITY, NM — Western New Mexico University (6-7, 1-2 Lone Star) defeated Texas A&M International University (2-10, 0-3 Lone Star) in four sets on Thursday at Drag's Court, posting scores of 25-13, 26-28, 25-19, and 25-22. The Mustangs recorded a total of 10 blocks, outpacing the Dustdevils' five.

Western New Mexico opened the first set with a solid start, quickly establishing momentum with early kills from Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School) and Hailey Meeks, assisted by Hailey Haggard. Mikelle McAfee's two consecutive service aces helped extend the lead to 7-3, creating an early cushion for the home team. As the set progressed, the Mustangs continued to capitalize on the Dustdevils' errors, with Kaitlyn Salgado contributing multiple kills to maintain the advantage. A late block by Hughes and Brynlee Barris on Gabriella Gamboa solidified control, allowing the Mustangs to close the set with a definitive 25-13 lead over the Dustdevils.

Western New Mexico began the second set with momentum, securing the first point through a service ace by Haggard. The home team went on a brief scoring run, led by Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) and Hughes, pushing the score to 5-2. McAfee contributed a service ace and Barris, alongside Meeks, added a block to extend the lead to 5-2. Midway through the set, the Mustangs maintained control with Hughes and Posthumus converting kills, helping the team hold a 14-9 advantage. Despite a resilient push from the Dustdevils, which included several kills by Natalie Cisneros, Western New Mexico kept their momentum with timely kills from Salgado and Barris, sustaining a narrow lead at 19-16. The set closed dramatically, with both teams trading points. Hughes delivered multiple key kills to keep the Mustangs competitive, but Texas A&M International capitalized on a few errors to edge ahead. Ultimately, the Dustdevils secured the set with a narrow 28-26 victory, despite a strong effort from Western New Mexico to keep it close.

The Mustangs began the third set with a point from a service error by the Dustdevils. However, the visitors quickly responded and built a 4-1 lead through a series of Western New Mexico errors. The Mustangs then found a rhythm, with Hughes contributing a kill, and Salgado and Barris adding points to level the score at 7-7. WNMU gained momentum with a service ace from Barris and a block by Posthumus, propelling them to an 11-8 lead. Despite a brief challenge from the Dustdevils, WNMU extended their advantage to 19-15 with effective plays from Meeks and Posthumus. Closing the set strong, WNMU pushed through the Dustdevils' defenses, with Posthumus delivering crucial kills down the stretch. Western New Mexico sealed the set with a 25-19 victory, maintaining control and finishing with a decisive point from Posthumus.

Western New Mexico opened the fourth set with a strong defensive effort, highlighted by Hughes's block on an attack error by the Dustdevils' Danea King. Barris and Posthumus contributed crucial kills, boosting the Mustangs to an early 3-1 lead. The Dustdevils managed to tie the set at 3-3, but Western New Mexico regained momentum with a kill from Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/Shanghai American School) and a service ace by Barris, moving ahead 6-4. Hughes and Barris continued to capitalize on the Dustdevils' errors, extending the lead to 15-10. As the set progressed, the Dustdevils attempted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 19-15. However, Posthumus and Savanna Haefs (Phoenix, AZ/Desert Vista High School) maintained the offensive pressure for the Mustangs, helping to secure a 25-22 set victory with a kill from Meeks, concluding the match in the Mustangs' favor.

Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School) led the Mustangs with 16 kills on 37 attacks, contributing significantly to her 18.5 total points. Mikelle McAfee anchored the defense with 19 digs while adding three service aces. Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) posted an impressive .435 hitting percentage, tallying 12 kills and two blocks. Brynlee Barris contributed 11 kills and four blocks, rounding out her performance with 15.5 points.

Mia Molina led the Dustdevils with 18 points across four sets, demonstrating her key role in the team's offensive efforts. Natalie Cisneros was instrumental in setting up attacks, delivering 33 assists while maintaining a perfect record with zero errors. Abby Buenrostro showcased her efficiency in attack, achieving a .538 hitting percentage with seven kills and contributing three solo blocks. Samantha Estrada anchored the defense with 16 digs, highlighting her defensive capabilities.

Looking ahead, Western New Mexico's team is set to face Texas A&M-Kingsville on October 4. The match will take place at Drag's Court in Silver City, NM, with first serve at noon.

 
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).