SILVER CITY, N.M. — Western New Mexico University (7-7, 2-2 Lone Star) edged Texas A&M University-Kingsville (12-3, 4-1 Lone Star) in a thrilling five-set match at Drag's Court on Saturday, winning 25-18, 21-25, 21-25, 25-22, 15-13. This victory was particularly significant for WNMU, as it broke a 10-loss streak against Kingsville, who had been previously undefeated in the LSC conference.

Western New Mexico began the first set with a steady performance, capitalizing on a series of errors from the Javelinas. Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) and Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School) contributed crucial points early, helping establish a lead. Key defensive stops by Hughes and Hailey Meeks, alongside service aces from Mikelle McAfee and Hughes, extended the advantage. As the set progressed, the Mustangs maintained momentum with strategic plays, including a kill by Brynlee Barris and a pivotal service ace by Barris. Despite a brief rally by the visitors, the home team closed the set strongly with a combination of offensive plays from Kaitlyn Salgado and Posthumus, sealing the set at 25-18.

Western New Mexico made a strong push in the second set, with Hughes and Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/Shanghai American School) delivering key kills to keep the score tight in the early exchanges. Despite trailing, the Mustangs found momentum through a series of defensive plays, highlighted by Barris' blocks that brought them back to a 19-19 tie. However, the Javelinas responded with a series of late points, capitalizing on offensive errors committed by the Mustangs. Despite a block from Posthumus that offered a brief reprieve, the set concluded with a kill by Madelyn Wallace, giving the Javelinas a 25-21 win.

In the third set, the Mustangs made a strong effort to regain momentum. Barris and Hughes contributed effectively, each recording multiple kills with assists from Savanna Haefs (Phoenix, AZ/Desert Vista High School), helping Western New Mexico keep the score competitive. Defensive efforts from Posthumus and Ava Frezza, who each contributed crucial blocks, slowed the opponent's advance momentarily. The Javelinas built a slight lead midway through the set, but the Mustangs responded with timely kills from Meeks and Rampton, as well as defensive stops that narrowed the gap to 13-16. Despite a late push by Western New Mexico, including capitalizing on several Texas A&M-Kingsville errors, the Javelinas closed the set 25-21.

Western New Mexico faced a challenging start in the fourth set as the Javelinas took an early advantage, leading 6-1. A series of kills from Hughes and blocks by Barris helped the Mustangs close the gap to 6-4, showcasing resilience in defense and attack. Midway through the set, the Mustangs capitalized on multiple attack errors by the Javelinas, pulling even at 14-14. A decisive kill by Posthumus put Western New Mexico ahead 15-14, maintaining a tight contest as both teams exchanged points. In the final stretch, the Mustangs surged ahead with a series of kills by Posthumus and Barris, creating a 24-21 lead. Despite a late attack error, Posthumus secured the set victory with a final kill, closing the set 25-22 in favor of Western New Mexico.

Western New Mexico opened the decisive fifth set with a strong start, as Posthumus secured the first point with a kill from a Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School) assist. Building momentum, the Mustangs capitalized on opponent errors and key plays from Jayla McDuffie and Barris, establishing a 6-2 lead. McAfee's presence was crucial, supporting several successful plays that extended the home team's advantage to 9-5. The Javelinas responded, narrowing the gap to 13-12 with contributions from Kendall Harrington and Rylan Pollard. However, the Mustangs maintained composure, with Meeks delivering a decisive kill from Haggard's setup to secure the final point. The set closed with Western New Mexico securing a 15-13 victory, reflecting a well-coordinated team effort to conclude the match. Notably, WNMU's defense shined with 20 total blocks, marking the most in history for WNMU volleyball.

Posthumus led the Mustangs with 14 kills and contributed significantly at the net with five total blocks. Barris also made a strong impact defensively, recording nine solo blocks and 20 points overall. Haggard facilitated the offense with 21 assists and added 11 digs on defense. Hughes contributed both offensively with 10 kills and defensively with 11 digs, while also serving two aces.

Wallace stood out for Texas A&M-Kingsville with a hitting percentage of .588, recording 12 kills and contributing 14 points across five sets. Natalee Rush followed closely, leading the team with 17 points, thanks to her 14 kills at a .440 hitting percentage and three solo blocks. Pollard was a key playmaker, amassing 30 assists, while also adding 10 digs to her performance. Tayae Garcia was pivotal defensively, leading with 22 digs.

Looking ahead, Western New Mexico will face UT Permian Basin on October 7 at Drag's Court in Silver City, N.M., with action set to begin at 6 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).