**Mountain Lion Classic**

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. — Western New Mexico University (2-4, 0-0 Lone Star) faced two challenging matches at the Mountain Lion Classic, first falling to Jamestown (4-1, 0-0 NSIC) in a five-set thriller, and then falling to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (6-0, 0-0 RMAC) in straight sets.

In the match against Jamestown, the Mustangs put up a fierce fight, ultimately losing 25-17, 21-25, 25-21, 23-25, 15-10. The opening set saw Western New Mexico trailing early, but they rallied with a block from Ava Frezza and Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) to tie the score at 8-8. However, Jamestown regained control with a late push led by Corbyn Menz, securing the set 25-17. 

The Mustangs bounced back in the second set with a strong start, highlighted by a service ace from Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School). They maintained momentum through contributions from Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School) and Kaitlyn Salgado, ultimately winning the set 25-21. Jamestown took the third set 25-21 despite a late comeback attempt from Western New Mexico, who narrowed the gap to 24-21 with strong plays from Savanna Haefs (Phoenix, AZ/Desert Vista High School).

In the fourth set, the Mustangs surged ahead, key blocks from Hannah Del Rio (Vacaville, CA/Will C. Wood High School) and Posthumus helping them clinch a 25-23 victory. The final set started with a strong Jamestown offensive, but Western New Mexico fought back, closing the gap to 12-8 before ultimately falling 15-10.

Hughes led the Mustangs with 12 kills and a hitting percentage of .550, while Mikelle McAfee anchored the defense with 18 digs. Posthumus was a standout at the net with eight total blocks.

In their subsequent match against UCCS, Western New Mexico was unable to find their rhythm, losing 25-14, 25-22, 25-10. The Mountain Lions established control in the first set, taking a 6-1 lead. Despite Posthumus's four kills, the Mustangs fell 25-14 as UCCS capitalized on their errors.

The second set began with a brief lead for Western New Mexico, but UCCS responded with a 7-point streak, eventually winning 25-22 despite a late push from the Mustangs. The third set saw UCCS close out the match with a 25-10 victory.

Posthumus was the leading scorer for the Mustangs against UCCS, posting eight kills with a .583 hitting percentage. Meanwhile, Haefs provided critical support with 12 assists and two service aces.

Following these matches, Western New Mexico holds an overall record of 2-4 in the season. Looking ahead, the Mustangs are set to face Western Colorado University at the Gallogly Events Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., on September 13 at 11:30 a.m.
   
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).