SILVER CITY, NM — Western New Mexico University (12-15, 6-9 Lone Star) secured a decisive 3-1 victory over Sul Ross State (3-19, 1-14 Lone Star) on Saturday at Drag's Court, highlighted by a strong fourth set where they posted a .625 hitting percentage. The match was particularly special as it was senior day, celebrating the contributions of the team's seniors.

Western New Mexico opened the first set with a strong performance, quickly gaining momentum after a series of attack errors by Sul Ross State. Jayla McDuffie played a pivotal role in this sequence, contributing to a run that pushed the Mustangs into an early lead. Sul Ross State managed to narrow the gap slightly, thanks to kills by Cassandra Espinoza, but the home team maintained their advantage.

Senior Hannah Del Rio (Vacaville, CA/Will C. Wood High School), wearing number 10, and Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) added key kills, further extending the lead for Western New Mexico. Despite the Lobos' efforts to respond, the Mustangs capitalized on additional errors by their opponents, closing the set with a decisive 25-17 victory.

Western New Mexico made a significant impact in the second set, establishing control with a series of pivotal plays. Brynlee Barris and Posthumus played key roles, each delivering crucial kills that helped turn the tide in their favor. Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School) and Kaitlyn Salgado contributed with timely kills, adding to the Mustangs' momentum.

Despite an early deficit, Western New Mexico capitalized on Sul Ross State's errors, including several attack errors and service faults, to close the gap and take the lead. Savanna Haefs (Phoenix, AZ/Desert Vista High School) provided essential assists, supporting the offense's efficient execution. The set concluded with the Mustangs securing a 25-16 victory, ending the game decisively.

Western New Mexico made a significant comeback in the third set after Sul Ross State initially built a 6-1 lead. A strong rally by the Mustangs, highlighted by kills from Hughes and Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/Shanghai American School), tied the score at 6-6. Despite their efforts, Sul Ross State regained momentum, extending their lead to 13-9.

The Mustangs continued to fight back, closing the gap to 18-16 with contributions from Ava Frezza and a service ace by Hughes. However, the Lobos maintained their edge, ultimately closing the set at 25-23. This marked Sul Ross State's only set win.

Western New Mexico surged ahead in the fourth set, capitalizing on a series of attack errors and strong plays at the net. Hughes and Barris contributed crucial kills, with Barris's block on a Samantha Senak attack error helping to shift momentum early. Haefs facilitated a key run, assisting on kills by Barris and Rampton, which pushed the Mustangs into the lead.

Posthumus's blocking was instrumental, contributing to multiple attack errors from Sul Ross State, while senior Carley Deck (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School), wearing number 11, closed the set with decisive kills. Western New Mexico concluded the set with a commanding performance, securing a 25-14 victory to end the game.

The match began with Sul Ross State gaining an early lead due to a service error by Western New Mexico. However, the Mustangs quickly capitalized on a series of attack errors by Sul Ross State, including multiple miscues by Danielle and Samantha Senak, allowing the home team to establish a 7-1 advantage. Hughes and Del Rio contributed to building the lead with key kills, widening the gap to 8-1. Although the Lobos attempted a comeback with kills from Espinoza and Sarah Chavez, Western New Mexico maintained control. The set concluded with the Mustangs securing a 25-17 victory, capped off by a block from Posthumus on an attack by Espinoza.

Western New Mexico secured the second set with a 25-16 victory over Sul Ross State, bolstered by key performances and strategic plays. After trailing 3-0 early due to a kill by Anna Kasper and a couple of errors, the Mustangs closed the gap and tied the score at 7-7 following a block by Posthumus and Rampton. The home team gained momentum with a series of kills from Barris and Posthumus, and a block by Frezza. Hughes clinched the set with a decisive kill, assisted by Mikelle McAfee (Casa Grande, AZ), capping off a strong performance by Western New Mexico.

In a closely contested third set, Sul Ross State secured a 25-23 victory over Western New Mexico. The visiting team built early momentum with a 6-1 lead featuring two kills by Espinoza and a service ace by Hannah Garcia. The Mustangs responded by closing the gap with four consecutive points, including a kill by Barris, tying the score at 6-6. Despite Western New Mexico's late push with a service ace by McAfee and a kill by Barris bringing them within one point at 24-23, Sul Ross State clinched the set with a decisive kill by Kasper.

Western New Mexico secured a decisive victory in the fourth set, triumphing over Sul Ross State 25-14. The set was marked by a strong offensive showing from Hughes, who registered multiple kills, and Barris, who contributed with crucial points and a block. Defensive efforts were highlighted by Posthumus, who executed key blocks against the Lobos' attack. Deck closed the set with a kill from a Haggard assist, cementing the win and concluding the match. Western New Mexico's consistent pressure and effective blocking were pivotal in their commanding performance.

Hughes led the team with 12 kills and added 13 digs, contributing significantly to both the offensive and defensive efforts. Barris recorded 11 kills and was a force at the net with four solo blocks, finishing with a total of 15.5 points. Posthumus anchored the defense with six solo blocks, amassing a total of seven blocks. McAfee excelled in the back row, collecting 20 digs across the match.

Espinoza stood out for Sul Ross State with 13 kills on 38 attempts, marking a .289 hitting percentage. Her defensive contributions included 15 digs. BreAnna Quarles led the team defensively with 18 digs across four games, showcasing her reliability in the backcourt. Jade Munoz provided crucial support with 21 assists, facilitating the offense effectively while also contributing 11 digs on defense.

Western New Mexico holds a 12-15 overall record and is 6-9 in Lone Star Conference play. Sul Ross State currently stands at 3-19 overall with a 1-14 record in the Lone Star Conference.

Looking ahead, the Mustangs will face St. Mary's on Friday, Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. at Bill Greehey Arena in San Antonio, Texas.

 

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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).