SILVER CITY, NM — Western New Mexico (10-10, 5-5 Lone Star) secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Cameron (6-16, 2-7 Lone Star) at Drag's Court on Thursday evening, winning by scores of 25-18, 25-22, and 25-21. Western NM posted a .307 hitting percentage, led by a 16-kill performance in the first set.

Western New Mexico began the first set strongly, securing the initial five points with decisive plays including kills by Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) and Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School), both facilitated by assists from Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School) and Jayla McDuffie. Cameron sought to close the gap, but the Mustangs maintained their lead, capitalizing on errors from the visitors and consistent scoring from Posthumus and Hughes.

As the set progressed, the Mustangs sustained their momentum with key contributions from Brynlee Barris and a pivotal block by Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/Shanghai American School) and Barris, leading to a commanding finish. The set concluded with Western NM achieving a 25-18 victory, setting a confident tone for the match.

Western NM gained early momentum in the second set with a strong offensive display, highlighted by a kill from Posthumus assisted by Haggard that initiated a 4-0 run. Another key moment came when Barris recorded consecutive kills, further extending the home team's lead to 10-2. Despite Cameron's attempts to close the gap, the Mustangs maintained their advantage, with Hughes contributing crucial points and Haggard providing multiple assists. Posthumus sealed the set with a decisive kill, bringing the score to 25-22. The Mustangs secured the set, capitalizing on consistent offensive pressure and strategic play.

Western NM secured a decisive victory in the third set, overcoming an early deficit to win 25-21. After trailing 7-2, they rallied with key kills by Hughes and Posthumus, who contributed several points to close the gap. McDuffie's service ace tied the score at 13-13, setting the stage for a strong finish. A late surge, highlighted by consecutive blocks from Rampton and Posthumus, propelled the Mustangs to the lead. The set concluded with Posthumus delivering the final kill, sealing the set and the match.

Western New Mexico started the first set with a commanding lead, fueled by consecutive kills from Posthumus and Hughes, each benefiting from assists by Haggard and McDuffie. Western New Mexico capitalized on errors from Cameron's Presleigh Roest and Gabrielle Reynolds to extend their lead to 5-0. Cameron attempted a comeback with kills from Maria Osorio (Pereira, Colombia/Calasanz Pereira) and Jennifer Valdez, narrowing the gap to 9-6. However, Western New Mexico maintained control, with Posthumus and Hughes continuing to find success at the net. Posthumus sealed the set with a kill, giving Western New Mexico a 25-18 victory.

Western New Mexico secured the second set against the Aggies with a score of 25-22, highlighted by strong performances from several key players. Barris made an impact early with consecutive kills, contributing to an initial 4-0 lead for Western New Mexico. Cameron responded with a series of plays, including kills from Roest and Anastasija Andelic, narrowing the lead to 4-2. However, a series of attack errors by Cameron players allowed Western New Mexico to extend their advantage to 10-2. Despite a late surge by Cameron, including a service ace by Hailey Baker to bring the score to 19-16, Western New Mexico maintained their lead. The set concluded with Barris securing the final point with a kill, assisted by Haggard.

Western New Mexico pulled off a thrilling 25-21 victory in the third set against Cameron, propelled by strategic plays and a late surge. Cameron initially led 7-2, with Baker and Valdez each contributing multiple points. Western New Mexico mounted a comeback, highlighted by a service ace from McDuffie and consecutive kills by Hughes, leveling the score at 13-13. A pivotal 6-0 run, including two blocks by Rampton and Posthumus, pushed Western New Mexico ahead 21-19. Posthumus sealed the set with a decisive kill, her fourth of the period, assisted by Haggard.

Posthumus led the team with 18 kills on 26 attempts, hitting .654, while also contributing three blocks. Hughes added 13 kills and eight digs, finishing with a .313 hitting percentage. Haggard recorded 26 assists and one service ace, while Mikelle McAfee contributed defensively with 12 digs.

Kayla Quintana led the team with an impressive 1.000 hitting percentage, recording two kills on two attempts and adding 11 assists. Andelic contributed significantly on defense with 16 digs over three games, while also adding eight kills and two block assists. Valdez was effective in both attack and defense, tallying nine kills, four digs, and two block assists, resulting in 11 total points.

Western NM holds a 10-10 overall record and stands at 5-5 in Lone Star Conference play. Cameron has a 6-16 overall record with a 2-7 mark in Lone Star Conference action.

Up next for the Mustangs is a home match against Oklahoma Christian on October 25. Action is set to begin at noon at Drag's Court in Silver City, NM.

 

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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).