LAS VEGAS, NM — Western New Mexico University fell to New Mexico Highlands University in a five-set match at the John A. Wilson Complex, with set scores of 25-23, 19-25, 25-15, 18-25, 12-15. Western New Mexico (10-15, 5-9 Lone Star) recorded 11 total blocks, but the Cowgirls prevailed with stronger serving, tallying 13 aces.

Western New Mexico opened the first set with strategic play, capitalizing on key moments to maintain a slight edge over New Mexico Highlands. Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) delivered early with two kills, bolstered by Hannah Haggard's (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School) assists, helping Western New Mexico gain momentum after an initial tie. Midway through the set, the Mustangs expanded their lead with a series of blocks and kills, including a critical block by Posthumus and Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/Shanghai American School) to advance the score to 9-6.

Despite the Cowgirls' efforts to close the gap, the Mustangs held firm with consistent scoring from Kaitlyn Salgado and Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School), who both secured crucial points to stabilize their advantage. As the set drew to a close, Western New Mexico maintained composure amidst a narrowing scoreline, clinching the set with a final kill by Salgado, leading to a 25-23 victory.

During the second set, Western New Mexico initially secured a lead with a series of successful plays, highlighted by kills from Hailey Meeks and Brynlee Barris, pushing the score to 9-6. However, New Mexico Highlands responded with a determined rally, capitalizing on several Western New Mexico errors to level the score at 12-12. Despite a competitive effort and key contributions from Hughes, who logged multiple kills, the Mustangs were unable to regain the upper hand as New Mexico Highlands pulled away late in the set. The set concluded with the Cowgirls leading 25-19.

In the third set, Western New Mexico took control with a decisive run, beginning with Hughes' kill assisted by Jayla McDuffie, leveling the score at 1-1. This momentum carried through, with significant contributions from Barris and Posthumus, who each registered kills to extend their lead.

Western New Mexico capitalized on New Mexico Highlands' errors, including multiple attack errors by Arianna Jamerson, which widened their margin. Meeks contributed a key kill, pushing the visitors further ahead. The set concluded with a service error from the Cowgirls, sealing Western New Mexico's 25-15 victory.

Western New Mexico faced a challenging fourth set against New Mexico Highlands, with the home team quickly establishing a 5-1 lead, propelled by Aziza Morris's multiple kills. The Mustangs responded with a series of successful plays, including a kill by Hughes and a block by Ava Frezza and Barris. Despite these efforts, the Cowgirls maintained their momentum, aided by Jaylee Gonzales's kills, which extended their lead to 13-7.

Western New Mexico rallied with consecutive points, including a service ace and capitalizing on opponent errors, trimming the deficit to 13-11. However, New Mexico Highlands managed to pull away once more, ultimately securing the set 25-18. The game concluded with the Cowgirls victorious, as the Mustangs could not overcome the home team's offensive pressure.

In the decisive fifth set, Western New Mexico attempted to close the gap with a strong series of plays. Salgado's early kill, assisted by Savanna Haefs (Phoenix, AZ/Desert Vista High School), and a subsequent kill by Posthumus from Haggard helped keep the Mustangs within reach. Despite a service error that allowed the Cowgirls to extend their lead, Western New Mexico fought back with a sequence of points, including a kill by Barris and another significant kill by Salgado, narrowing the margin.

Western New Mexico continued to apply pressure with a late rally, as Salgado and Haggard each added crucial kills. However, New Mexico Highlands managed to maintain their edge, ultimately closing out the set 15-12. This set concluded the match, with the Cowgirls emerging victorious.

Hughes recorded a total of five blocks across five sets, contributing significantly to the team's defensive efforts. Posthumus tallied 11 kills on 20 attempts, achieving a .500 hitting percentage, and added five blocks. Haggard facilitated the offense with 18 assists and contributed defensively with 11 digs. Haefs set up her teammates with 25 assists while also adding four digs.

Gonzales led the Cowgirls with 21.0 points and a standout performance in defense, totaling 16 digs over five sets. She also recorded 16 kills with a hitting percentage of .351. Jamerson and Morris each contributed 15 points. Jamerson registered 15 kills, while Morris added 14 kills with a .206 hitting percentage. Elise Fourt made significant contributions with a .263 hitting percentage and 12.0 points, including one solo block and two block assists. Naya Dornic facilitated the team's offense with 20 assists and supported with three service aces.

Western New Mexico holds a record of 10-15 overall and 5-9 in the Lone Star Conference. New Mexico Highlands stands at 12-12 overall and 4-6 in RMAC play.

In their next game, Western New Mexico will travel to face Adams State University on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at Plachy Hall Gym in Alamosa, Colorado. The match is set for 6 p.m.
 

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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).