SILVER CITY, NM — The future of WNMU Volleyball is taking shape—loudly. Freshmen Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) and Junior Brynlee Barris made an immediate impact in their debut WNMU season, earning postseason recognition after anchoring the Mustang front line throughout 2025.

Posthumus was named All-Conference Second Team and selected to the All-Freshman Team, while Barris captured All-Conference Honorable Mention. Together, the pair formed one of the most productive duos in the Lone Star Conference, combining for more than 600 kills, 230 blocks, and over 700 total points on the season.

Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)): All-Conference Second Team & All-Freshman Team

From opening weekend to the final match of the regular season, Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) established herself as one of the league's most dominant and efficient middle hitters. Finishing the year with 280 kills, 115 total blocks, and 364 points, Posthumus led WNMU in both offensive consistency and net presence.

She recorded a standout hitting percentage of .336 on 646 attempts—a remarkable mark for a first-year middle. Her defensive impact was equally significant, tallying 53 solo blocks and 62 block assists, cementing her as one of the most reliable net protectors in the conference.

Posthumus delivered several monster performances throughout the season, highlighted by:

• 18 kills vs. Cameron (Oct. 23)
• 10 total blocks at Lubbock Christian (Sept. 27)
• 8 digs vs. Eastern N.M. (Sept. 20)
• Season-high 20 points vs. Cameron (Oct. 23)

Whether she was closing out long rallies or shutting down opponents at the net, Posthumus consistently elevated WNMU on both sides of the ball. Her dual postseason honors are a testament to both her immediate impact and her trajectory as one of the conference's premier young middle blockers.

"For a freshman to step in and perform the way Daphne did is remarkable. She exceeded every expectation we had, and to see her earn a spot on the All-Freshman Team and Second Team All-Conference is an incredible accomplishment. It's a testament to her work ethic and a great moment for her and our entire program" said Head Coach Geno Frugoli. 

Brynlee Barris: All-Conference Honorable Mention

Joining Posthumus as a breakout force, Brynlee Barris brought firepower, physicality, and versatility to the Mustang lineup. Barris closed the 2025 campaign with 239 kills, 116 total blocks, 99 digs, and 345.5 points, emerging as one of the most balanced attackers on the roster.

Barris showcased her ability to score in a variety of offensive systems while also serving as a dependable blocker on the right side. Her 71 attack errors on 579 attempts left her with a strong .290 hitting percentage, rounding out a season of impressive efficiency for a middle hitter.

Head Coach Geno Frugoli said, "As one of our captains, Brynlee set the standard all season. She earned this honor by consistently posting one of the top hitting percentages in the conference and being a dominant presence at the net with her blocking. We're extremely proud of her leadership and the effort she brought every single day."

Her top performances included:

• 15 kills at Adams State (Nov. 5)
• 11 total blocks vs. Texas A&M–Kingsville (Oct. 4)
• 10 digs vs. Texas A&M International (Oct. 3)
• Season-high 20 points vs. Texas A&M–Kingsville (Oct. 4)
• 3 service aces vs. UT Permian Basin (Oct. 7)

Barris proved to be a dependable scoring option night after night, with the athleticism to influence the match at the net and in the back row. Her Honorable Mention All-Conference selection reflects her steady growth throughout the season and her role as a crucial piece of WNMU's young core.

A Foundation for the Future

Together, Posthumus and Barris delivered one of the most impressive middle hitter campaigns in recent Mustang volleyball history. Their postseason honors are only the beginning, as both players continue in 2026 with experience, confidence, and a full season's worth of proven production.

With two award-winning middle hitters leading the way, the future for WNMU Volleyball looks brighter—and stronger—than ever.
 

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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).