SILVER CITY, NM — Western New Mexico University (10-11, 5-6 Lone Star) fell to Oklahoma Christian University (14-7, 6-4 Lone Star) in straight sets on Saturday at Drag's Court, with scores of 17-25, 18-25, 21-25. Despite the loss, the Mustangs totaled six blocks, led by five solo blocks in the match.

Western New Mexico began the first set with an early exchange of points, highlighted by Jayden Hughes' (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School) consistent scoring, including multiple kills assisted by Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School). Despite these efforts, the Eagles managed to capitalize on a series of attack errors by Western New Mexico, allowing them to pull ahead. Western New Mexico attempted to regain momentum with a late push, including a service ace by Brynlee Barris, but could not close the gap. The set concluded with Oklahoma Christian leading 25-17.

Western New Mexico made a significant push in the middle of the second set, fueled by Hughes and Barris, who combined for several key kills to even the score at 8-8. This momentum continued as Hughes and Barris added to their tallies, allowing Western New Mexico to briefly take the lead. However, Oklahoma Christian responded decisively, pulling ahead with a series of points that widened their lead. Despite a late effort from Western New Mexico, which included a kill by Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/Shanghai American School), the visiting team secured the set with a final score of 25-18.

Western New Mexico experienced a challenging third set, initially falling behind as Oklahoma Christian capitalized on early errors. The home team rallied midway through with key contributions from Hailey Meeks and Ava Frezza, narrowing the gap to 16-16. However, the Eagles regained momentum, extending their lead and ultimately securing the set 25-21. The match concluded with Oklahoma Christian winning.

Western New Mexico and Oklahoma Christian opened their match with the Eagles taking an early 5-2 advantage, aided by attack errors from the Mustangs. Hughes provided a steady offensive presence for Western New Mexico, securing several crucial kills to keep the match competitive. However, the Eagles capitalized on errors and executed strong offensive plays, including a service ace from Summer Van Meerveld, extending their lead to 17-10. In the latter stages, Katy Geurin's decisive kill, assisted by Sophie Mae Smith, sealed the set for the Eagles at 25-17.

Western New Mexico found themselves in a back-and-forth struggle with Oklahoma Christian in the second set, as both teams exchanged points early. The Eagles took an early lead, highlighted by Chloe Jones contributing multiple kills, including from assists by Smith. Western New Mexico rallied to tie the score at 8-8, with key plays from Hughes and Barris. However, Oklahoma Christian surged ahead with a sequence of service aces and additional kills from Jones, widening the gap. Despite the efforts of Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) and Rampton, the Eagles closed out the set with a 25-18 victory, capped by a service ace from Smith.

The third set featured a strong start from the Eagles, as they quickly established a 3-0 lead with Geurin's kill and a service ace by Lauren Cary. Western New Mexico fought back, with Meeks contributing with two kills to narrow the gap to 5-4. Oklahoma Christian maintained control, extending their lead to 14-8 following key plays by Jones. Western New Mexico rallied once more, tying the score at 16-16 with Frezza and Meeks leading the charge. However, Oklahoma Christian regained momentum, ultimately sealing the set 25-21 with Camryn McGough's decisive kill.

Hughes finished with 10 kills and matched that with 10 digs, making a solid contribution on both offense and defense. Barris recorded six kills on 13 attempts, achieving a hitting percentage of .385, and added one service ace. Haggard facilitated the offense with 16 assists and posted four digs. Jayla McDuffie excelled defensively, collecting 19 digs across her matches.

Jones led Oklahoma Christian with 13 kills and a team-high 15 points, adding 11 digs to her performance. Macey Nehring contributed significantly on defense with 15 digs, while also recording four assists and a service ace. Geurin added offensive firepower with 11 kills and a .333 hitting percentage. Smith facilitated the attack with 17 assists while also serving two aces.

The Mustangs hold an overall record of 10-11 and a 5-6 mark in Lone Star conference play. The Eagles stand at 14-7 overall with a 6-4 record in the Lone Star conference.

Up next for Western New Mexico, they will host Angelo State on October 28 at Drag's Court in Silver City, NM. The match is set to begin at 6 p.m. Fans can catch all the action live.
 

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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).