TYLER, TX — Western New Mexico University fell in straight sets to the University of Texas at Tyler, 25-18, 28-26, 25-11, despite a strong second set at the Herrington Patriot Center on Saturday.

The first set began with the Mustangs' Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School) committing a service error, giving the Patriots an immediate lead. UT Tyler's Autumn Perry and Alyson Robbins dominated early, with Perry contributing a kill and a service ace to extend the lead to 8-3. Robbins continued her strong performance with multiple kills, helping the Patriots maintain momentum. Sydney Atkinson secured crucial points, including the final kill, to close out the set 25-18 in favor of UT Tyler. Despite efforts from the Mustangs' Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) and Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/Shanghai American School), UT Tyler's consistent offense proved decisive.

UT Tyler edged out Western New Mexico in a closely contested second set, securing a 28-26 victory. The Mustangs took an early lead with kills from Posthumus and Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School), but the Patriots responded with strong play from Kaitlyn Davis, who recorded multiple kills to help UT Tyler pull ahead. As the teams exchanged points, Ava Frezza delivered consecutive kills for Western New Mexico to tie the score at 23-23. However, Autumn Perry's kill and a block by Kaitlyn Davis and Kailey Manes clinched the set for the Patriots. The set featured several lead changes and tense moments, with the outcome decided by a narrow margin.

UT Tyler controlled the third set from the start, taking a 7-1 lead with a series of effective plays, including a kill by Sydney Atkinson from Saige Rivera. Rivera contributed significantly with multiple assists, aiding Atkinson and Perry in extending the lead. Western New Mexico managed to close the gap slightly, with Posthumus and Hailey Meeks each securing kills, but it was not enough to shift momentum. UT Tyler capitalized on a service ace to conclude the set 25-11, securing a decisive set victory.

Posthumus led the Mustangs with 11 kills and an attack percentage of .391, contributing 11.5 points. Meeks followed closely with seven kills on 14 attempts, achieving a .429 hitting percentage and adding 7.5 points. Haggard provided 14 assists while also recording a service ace. Rampton bolstered the defense with three solo blocks and added three kills, totaling six points.

Anna Arceneaux led the Patriots with a perfect attacking percentage, registering one kill on one attempt, and she made a significant defensive contribution with 20 digs. Robbins proved effective offensively, recording 12 kills with a .455 hitting percentage. Atkinson was also a key offensive player, achieving 11 kills and a .409 hitting percentage. Perry added 11 kills to the team's efforts and contributed significantly from the service line with two aces.

The Mustangs hold a 10-14 overall record and are 5-9 in Lone Star Conference play. The Patriots have achieved a 13-10 overall record with a 9-4 mark in the Lone Star Conference.

Looking ahead, Western New Mexico will face New Mexico Highlands University on Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. The match will take place at the John A. Wilson Complex in Las Vegas, New Mexico.


 
 
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).