SILVER CITY, NM — Eastern New Mexico University (2-8, 0-0 Lone Star) defeated Western New Mexico University (5-5, 0-0 Lone Star) in a four-set match at Drag's Court on Saturday, with scores of 25-21, 19-25, 25-22, and 27-25. The Greyhounds recorded 51 kills and seven service aces in the victory.

The first set began with the visitors seizing early momentum, taking a 4-0 lead before the Mustangs responded with a kill from Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)). Despite a strong effort, including notable contributions from Posthumus and Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School), who tallied key kills, the Mustangs faced challenges with attack errors. A late rally narrowed the gap to 21-20, highlighted by Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/Shanghai American School) and Posthumus combining for a crucial block, but the Greyhounds closed out the set 25-21.

Western New Mexico opened the second set with a strategic lineup change, substituting in Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School) and Jayla McDuffie, setting the stage for a competitive set. Savanna Haefs (Phoenix, AZ/Desert Vista High School) facilitated the early scoring with key assists, resulting in a 2-0 lead thanks to kills from Brynlee Barris and Kaitlyn Salgado. Eastern New Mexico briefly tied the game at 14-14 with a run featuring multiple points from Sophia Valdez, but the Mustangs responded with a decisive 4-0 streak, highlighted by blocks from Posthumus and a kill by Hughes. Ultimately, Western New Mexico secured the set 25-19, with Posthumus sealing the win with a kill on the final play.

The third set began with Western New Mexico establishing a quick 2-0 lead, featuring a block by Posthumus and Hughes, followed by a kill from Barris. Despite a back and forth battle that saw ties at multiple points, including 5-5 and 11-11, the Mustangs managed to keep pace with substantial contributions from Barris and Salgado, both securing pivotal kills from assists by Haefs. However, Eastern New Mexico capitalized on a few key errors and a decisive late push led by Addison Bartlett and Valdez, ultimately securing the set 25-22.

The fourth set was a tightly contested battle, with the Greyhounds initially pulling ahead 8-3 thanks to a series of attack errors from the Mustangs. However, the Mustangs responded with a surge, led by Barris and Ava Frezza, who contributed critical kills and service aces to tie the score at 15-15. The set remained tense as both teams exchanged points, but ultimately, Eastern New Mexico clinched the set 27-25 with late contributions from Valdez, despite the efforts of the Mustangs' players to force a deciding set.

Brynlee Barris led Western New Mexico by recording 12 kills and six total blocks, contributing significantly to her 17.5 points. Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) was a defensive force with seven total blocks and added nine kills. Mikelle McAfee was pivotal in the back row, collecting 25 digs over four sets. Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School) facilitated the offense with 16 assists and chipped in five digs.

Sophia Valdez led Eastern New Mexico with 26 points, thanks to 23 kills and a hitting percentage of .333, along with three solo blocks. Addison Bartlett contributed significantly on defense, recording a team-high 17 digs and adding 11 kills. Catalina Gutierrez was pivotal in setting up plays with 13 assists over the four sets. Violeta Flores was another key playmaker, providing 22 assists and supporting the defense with 11 digs.

The Mustangs hold a 5-5 overall record. The Greyhounds are currently 2-8 overall.

The next challenge for Western New Mexico is a matchup against Midwestern State. The teams will face off on Friday, Sept. 26, at 5 p.m. at D.L. Ligon Coliseum in Wichita Falls, Texas.
   
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).