**Mountain Lion Classic**

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. — Western New Mexico University (4-4, 0-0 Lone Star) had an impressive showing at the Mountain Lion Classic, sweeping both Western Colorado University (1-6, 0-0 RMAC) and Millersville (3-6, 0-0 PSAC) in straight sets. The scores for the matches were 25-17, 25-13, 25-21 against Western Colorado and 25-18, 25-19, 25-14 against Millersville, highlighted by a strong offensive and defensive effort including six service aces in the first match and a third set attack percentage of .667 in the second.

In the match against Western Colorado, Western New Mexico opened with a steady first set, securing a decisive 25-17 victory. Key contributions came from Mikelle McAfee, who delivered a service ace at 9-6, and Brynlee Barris, who made two critical blocks. Savanna Haefs (Phoenix, AZ/Desert Vista High School) orchestrated the offensive flow, providing multiple assists, including one to Kaitlyn Salgado for a kill that widened the lead to 18-11. The second set saw Western New Mexico maintain their momentum with a dominant run, scoring eight consecutive points to stretch their lead to 13-5, thanks to two service aces from Haefs and a kill from Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/Shanghai American School), ultimately closing the set at 25-13 after a kill by Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School).

The third set remained tightly contested until Barris secured the final points with consecutive service aces, leading to a 25-21 victory. Barris led the visitors with six kills and five total blocks, while Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School) recorded 14 assists and a service ace. Haefs delivered a perfect hitting percentage, converting her only attack opportunity into a kill while adding 13 assists. Meeks contributed six kills and three block assists.

For Western Colorado, Liv Marshall led with 10 kills, contributing 12 points and two blocks over three games. Anuhea Kaalele provided key support with a team-high 10 assists and a .333 hitting percentage, while Kaira Willits matched her assists and added five digs.

In their second match against Millersville, Western N.M. showcased their prowess again, jumping out to an early lead in the first set with Barris and Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) contributing key points. Despite a brief rally by Millersville, Western New Mexico maintained their momentum, closing out the set 25-18 with a final kill by Salgado, assisted by Haefs. The second set began with Millersville taking an early 3-0 lead, but Western New Mexico responded strongly, with Hughes and Meeks delivering key kills and Salgado again securing the set victory with a final kill at 25-19.

The third set saw Western New Mexico surge to a decisive 25-14 victory, starting strong with a service ace from McAfee and consistent setups by Haggard. Hughes led the team with 13 kills on 20 attempts, achieving a hitting percentage of .600. Haggard contributed significantly with 23 assists and six digs, while Posthumus added eight kills and three block assists. Meeks was also efficient, recording 10 kills on 16 attempts with a .500 hitting percentage.

For Millersville, Trinity Baldwin stood out with a perfect hitting percentage of 1.000 and 25 assists, while Taylor Welter led the team with 11 kills. Sam White added a .308 hitting percentage with seven kills and a block assist.
 

Mountain Lion Classic @ UCCS

Offensive POW: Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School) (Soph, OH), Hit .354 (31 Kills, 8 Errors, 65 Attempts) with 5 Blocks (1 Solo & 4 Block Assists) & 15 Digs.

Defensive POW: Daphne Posthumous (Fresh. MH), 17 Blocks (5 Solo & 12 Block Assists) while hitting .284 (25 Kills, 6 Errors, 67 Attempts).

Looking ahead, Western New Mexico will host Sul Ross State on Thursday, Sept. 18, with the action beginning at 6 p.m. at Drag's Court in Silver City, NM.

   
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).