SILVER CITY, NM — Angelo State University (15-7, 9-2 Lone Star) defeated Western New Mexico University (10-12, 5-7 Lone Star) in straight sets on Tuesday night at Drag's Court, posting scores of 25-17, 25-16, and 25-20. The Mustangs recorded 8 total blocks in the match but fell short against the efficient attack from Angelo State.

Western New Mexico began the first set with determination, quickly leveling the score at 1-1 with a kill by Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) from Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School). The home team managed to keep the match tightly contested, reaching a 5-5 tie after a service ace from Brynlee Barris. Hailey Meeks contributed significantly with a crucial kill, keeping the Mustangs within reach at 11-11. As the set progressed, Western New Mexico maintained their presence with another kill by Posthumus to narrow the gap to 20-16. Despite these efforts, Angelo State managed to pull away in the latter stages, securing the set with a 25-17 victory.

Western New Mexico encountered a challenging second set against Angelo State, marked by a significant momentum shift when Angelo State embarked on a commanding run, extending their lead to 11-2. The Mustangs responded with a series of successful plays, including a kill by Posthumus and a service ace by Barris, narrowing the gap to 14-11. However, Angelo State regained control and maintained their advantage to close the set 25-16.

Western New Mexico started the third set strongly, gaining an early 3-0 lead with contributions from Meeks and Posthumus. However, Angelo State responded, briefly overtaking Western N.M. at 7-5, thanks to a series of successful plays from Demi Carter and Julia Hopkins. Despite efforts by the Mustangs, highlighted by kills from Barris and Kaitlyn Salgado, Angelo State maintained their momentum, widening the gap in the latter stages. Western New Mexico managed to narrow the deficit to 24-20 with a block from Posthumus, but ultimately, the set concluded with Angelo State securing a 25-20 victory.

The first set began with the Mustangs taking an early point, but the Belles quickly responded with a kill by Madi Parrish, assisted by Gabi Ashcraft, establishing a 1-0 lead. The teams traded points early on, with notable contributions from Posthumus and Barris for Western New Mexico. However, Angelo State began to pull away midway through the set, with Cate Boldrick and Parrish delivering multiple kills, and Madison Scrivner providing critical assists. Western New Mexico struggled to regain momentum as Parrish's consistent performance helped the Belles secure a 25-17 victory in the opening set.

In the second set, Angelo State surged ahead with a strong performance, including a 7-0 run. Parrish contributed two initial kills to set the tone, while Ashcraft assisted on multiple key plays. Western New Mexico managed to cut into the lead with a block and a kill by Posthumus, closing the gap to 14-11. However, Angelo State extended their lead with contributions from Carter, who secured multiple points, and Hopkins, who delivered decisive kills. The set concluded with Angelo State capitalizing on a Western New Mexico attack error for a 25-16 victory.

Angelo State secured a 25-20 victory in the third set over Western New Mexico, overcoming an early deficit. The Mustangs initially led 3-0, with Meeks contributing a notable kill. However, the Belles' Carter and Parrish responded with multiple kills, flipping the score to 7-5 in favor of the visitors. A series of errors from Western New Mexico allowed Angelo State to widen their lead, reaching 16-11. Despite a late push from the Mustangs, including a block by Posthumus, Angelo State clinched the set on an Alli Kirkpatrick kill, assisted by Scrivner.

Posthumus led the Mustangs with eight kills and added four solo blocks, contributing 12 points. Barris recorded six kills without an error and served two aces, accumulating 10.5 points. Haggard distributed 11 assists and collected four digs over three sets. Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School) contributed defensively with five digs and two total blocks while also serving one ace.

Parrish led the Belles with 16 kills, achieving a .394 hitting percentage and contributing significantly with 16 total points. Krizia Perez anchored the defense with a team-high 15 digs. Carter added offensive power, registering 10 kills and a .500 hitting percentage.

Western New Mexico holds a record of 10-12 overall and 5-7 in Lone Star Conference play. Angelo State stands at 15-7 overall with a 9-2 mark in Lone Star Conference competition.

The next challenge for Western New Mexico awaits in Richardson, Texas, as they face UT Dallas on October 31. The match is set to begin at 5 p.m.

   
 
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).
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