RICHARDSON, TX — Western New Mexico University (10-13, 5-8 Lone Star) fell to the University of Texas at Dallas (6-17, 3-9 Lone Star) in straight sets on Friday at the UTD Activity Center, with scores of 9-25, 19-25, 19-25.

The match opened with Texas-Dallas gaining an early advantage, propelled by a series of service aces and strong offensive plays. Western New Mexico responded with Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) securing a series of points through successful kills, notably converting setups from Kiara McDuffie (Aubrey, TX/Braswell High School) and Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School). Despite these efforts, the Mustangs faced challenges in overcoming multiple service errors and Texas-Dallas's defensive pressure, which contributed to the widening gap. The first set concluded with Texas-Dallas leading 25-9, placing Western New Mexico in a position to regroup for the subsequent sets.

Western New Mexico battled against Texas-Dallas in the second set, showcasing resilience. Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School) initiated a key momentum shift with a kill assisted by Haggard, narrowing the early deficit to 3-1. The Mustangs then capitalized on Texas-Dallas errors and a service ace from Jayla McDuffie to tie the score at 3-3. Despite this effort, Texas-Dallas regained control, pulling ahead with consistent scoring. Western New Mexico fought back, with Posthumus and Brynlee Barris contributing critical kills, but the team struggled to maintain the upper hand. The set concluded with a final score of 25-19 in favor of Texas-Dallas.

Western New Mexico fought hard in the third set, initially narrowing the margin after an early Texas-Dallas lead with a kill by Posthumus at 3-1. Despite a service error and a series of successful Texas-Dallas plays, the Mustangs managed to stay competitive with key contributions from Hughes and Savanna Haefs (Phoenix, AZ/Desert Vista High School), bringing the score to 6-9. As Texas-Dallas extended their lead, Western New Mexico rallied late with a series of points, including a service ace by Mikelle McAfee, closing the gap to 19-24. However, Texas-Dallas secured the final point, ending the set at 25-19 and concluding the match.

The match commenced with Texas-Dallas taking an early lead, capitalizing on a series of effective serves by Sydney Sabin. Her opening service ace set the tone, contributing to a 5-0 run. Western New Mexico struggled to find their rhythm, committing multiple errors that widened the gap. Despite a few successful plays by Posthumus, including three kills, the Mustangs were unable to shift momentum. The set concluded with an ace by Mari Hernandez, sealing a decisive 25-9 victory for Texas-Dallas in the first set.

In the second set, Texas-Dallas took an early lead with Moriah Johnson scoring the first point. Sabin's consecutive service aces extended their lead to 3-0. The Mustangs rallied back to tie the set at 3-3 with Hughes' kill and a service ace by Jayla McDuffie. The teams exchanged points, but Texas-Dallas gradually pulled ahead, capitalizing on attack errors by the Mustangs. Jane Burkhardt's kill from Hernandez widened their lead to 16-13. Despite a push from Western New Mexico, Texas-Dallas maintained their advantage, with Johnson securing the set point from an assist by Abby Gentner, ending the set at 25-19 in favor of Texas-Dallas.

Texas-Dallas capitalized on a strong serving game to maintain control over the Mustangs in the third set, starting with back-to-back service aces from Sabin, pushing the score to 3-0. Despite a kill from Posthumus, the Mustangs struggled with errors, including two bad sets from Haggard. Texas-Dallas extended its lead to 16-7, helped by Lila Westphal's two service aces. Western New Mexico rallied late with a service ace from McAfee and a kill from Kaitlyn Salgado, closing the gap to 24-19. However, an attack error by Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/Shanghai American School) concluded the set at 25-19 in favor of Texas-Dallas.

Posthumus led Western New Mexico with eight kills, achieving a .500 hitting percentage over three sets. Haefs contributed significantly, recording 10 assists and adding one kill with a .500 hitting percentage. Jayla McDuffie provided defensive stability, collecting 12 digs in three sets. Barris added defensive strength at the net, finishing with three block assists and one service ace.

Sabin stood out for Texas-Dallas, delivering nine service aces while maintaining a perfect hitting percentage. Burkhardt contributed significantly with nine kills and two service aces, accumulating 11 points. Gentner was pivotal in setting up the offense, recording 23 assists and adding ten digs on defense.

Western New Mexico holds a 10-13 overall record and a 5-8 mark in Lone Star Conference play. Texas-Dallas has a 6-17 overall record and a 3-9 record in the Lone Star Conference.

The next challenge for the Mustangs will be against UT Tyler on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 1 p.m. The match will take place at the Louise Herrington Patriot Center in Tyler, Texas.
   
 
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).