SILVER CITY, NM — Western New Mexico University (8-7, 3-2 Lone Star) edged out UT Permian Basin (5-10, 3-2 Lone Star) in a five-set thriller at Drag's Court on Tuesday evening, winning 25-13, 23-25, 30-28, 13-25, 15-10.

Western New Mexico opened the first set aggressively, overcoming an early deficit to seize control. After trailing 2-0, the Mustangs ignited a scoring run initiated by Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) and Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School), swiftly leveling the score. Jayla McDuffie's service streak, which included two aces and contributions from Hailey Meeks and Posthumus, expanded their lead to 8-2, establishing momentum. 

The Mustangs maintained their advantage with strategic plays, notably a pair of service aces from Brynlee Barris, pushing the score to 17-7. Western New Mexico continued to capitalize on UT Permian Basin's errors, with Kaitlyn Salgado and Posthumus adding key points. The set concluded with a decisive kill by Barris, securing a 25-13 victory for Western New Mexico, setting a strong tone for the match.

Western New Mexico rallied early in the second set with a solid performance from Posthumus, who contributed defensively and offensively to help the team secure a 3-1 lead. Meeks delivered key kills, maintaining momentum as the Mustangs edged ahead 10-7. Despite a sequence of errors allowing UT Permian Basin to close the gap, Hughes and Barris responded with effective attacks to keep the Mustangs narrowly in front at 17-16.

As the set progressed, the teams exchanged points, with Meeks and Posthumus sustaining the lead. However, UT Permian Basin capitalized on errors to even the score at 22-22. The visitors then edged past the Mustangs with decisive plays, ultimately closing the set 25-23. The set ended with UT Permian Basin taking a slight lead, leaving the match intensely competitive.

In the third set, the Mustangs began with a momentum shift as Hughes and Barris fueled a rally to erase UT Permian Basin's early lead. Key blocks by Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/Shanghai American School) and Posthumus, combined with timely kills from Salgado, helped Western New Mexico gain a slight advantage, moving the score to 11-8. 

UT Permian Basin responded with a series of points, bringing the score to 19-17 in their favor before a determined push by Western New Mexico, highlighted by a service ace from the team and a kill by Hughes, leveled the score at 24-24. In a tense exchange, Western New Mexico capitalized on a final service error by UT Permian Basin and clinched the set with a decisive kill by Salgado, securing a 30-28 victory in the period.

Western New Mexico University began the fourth set with a promising start, capitalizing on an attack error by Makenna Grimes to take an early lead. Hughes and Barris contributed with critical kills to maintain momentum. However, UT Permian Basin responded by leveraging a sequence of effective plays, including kills from Ashlee Macias and a service ace by Lauren Demuth, to shift the lead. 

Despite efforts from Salgado and Meeks to keep the score close, Western New Mexico faced a series of attack errors that allowed UT Permian Basin to extend their advantage. The set concluded with a decisive block by Kimaya Webb and Amyah Collins, sealing a 25-13 victory for UT Permian Basin.

The fifth set opened with Western New Mexico initially facing challenges, trailing 0-2 after a pair of attack errors by Hughes. However, the team quickly regained momentum with a kill by Meeks and an attack error from UT Permian Basin, leveling the score at 2-2. Barris contributed significantly with a service ace that helped push Western New Mexico ahead, maintaining a narrow lead.

Midway through the set, Western New Mexico solidified its advantage with a series of critical plays. Key blocks from Salgado and a combined effort from Rampton and Posthumus stopped UTPB's attempts to close the gap, extending the Mustangs' lead to 8-4. Although UTPB rallied to narrow the margin to 9-8, a kill from Posthumus and further attack errors from the visitors allowed Western New Mexico to regain control.

As the set progressed to its conclusion, Western New Mexico capitalized on UTPB errors and secured decisive kills from Barris and Ava Frezza, stretching their lead. The set ended with a final attack error by UTPB's Nickilah Whatley, sealing a 15-10 victory for the Mustangs.

Barris contributed significantly with 12 kills and four blocks, tallying 18 points for the team. Meeks also posted 16 kills and three blocks, matching Barris with 18 points. Mikelle McAfee anchored the defense with 18 digs over five sets. Posthumus was effective at the net, registering five total blocks and adding nine kills.

Macias led UT Permian Basin with a standout performance, accumulating 23 kills on 50 attempts for a .320 hitting percentage. She also contributed defensively with 15 digs and one solo block, totaling 26 points, making her a key player for the team. Kierra Freeman showcased her versatility with 29 assists and three service aces, contributing significantly in both setting and serving roles. Webb proved effective in both offense and defense, recording a .571 hitting percentage with five kills and adding three total blocks to her efforts. Whatley added offensive depth with 10 kills and a total of 10.5 points, while Andrea Urzua was reliable from the service line, delivering one ace and seven digs.

The next challenge for Western New Mexico takes them on the road to face off against Dallas Baptist. The match is set for Friday, Oct. 10, at 5 p.m. at the Burg Center in Dallas, 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).