WICHITA FALLS, TX — Midwestern State (7-2, 1-0 Lone Star) claimed a straight-set victory over Western New Mexico (5-6, 0-1 Lone Star) at D.L. Ligon Coliseum on Friday night. The Midwestern State Mustangs secured the win with scores of 25-15, 25-19, and 25-19, highlighted by an impressive .483 hitting percentage in the opening set.

Western New Mexico began the first set with promising momentum, as Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) recorded consecutive kills with assists from Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School), establishing an early 3-1 advantage. The team continued to trade points with Midwestern State, maintaining a tight scoreline through a series of effective plays, including a block by Brynlee Barris that capitalized on an opponent attack error. Midwestern State then shifted momentum, benefiting from a series of successful plays led by Isabella Dickens and Jaiden Wright. The home team pulled ahead with a mid-set run, extending their lead to 18-11. Despite Posthumus' persistent offensive efforts, contributing multiple kills, Western New Mexico could not overcome the deficit. The set concluded with Midwestern State maintaining their advantage, closing out the first set 25-15. Western New Mexico will look to regain their early rhythm and counter the opponent's mid-set surge in the subsequent sets.

Western New Mexico began the second set with a strong defensive presence, highlighted by blocks from Brynlee Barris and Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/Shanghai American School), leading to an early 4-0 run. Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School) contributed significantly with service aces, extending the lead. Midwestern State responded, gradually closing the gap and eventually taking an 8-7 lead. Despite efforts from Kaitlyn Salgado and Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)), who each recorded kills, Midwestern State maintained their momentum and pulled ahead. Western New Mexico's attempt to rally was marked by a series of attacks and defensive plays, with Salgado and Hannah Del Rio (Vacaville, CA/Will C. Wood High School) finding success in scoring. However, Midwestern State capitalized on errors and late kills from Trinity Vinzant to close the set 25-19 in their favor.

The third set began with Western New Mexico looking to shift momentum, as defensive plays by Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) and Brynlee Barris contributed to early points, keeping the score competitive. Despite several successful kills from Kaitlyn Salgado and Hailey Meeks, Midwestern State established a lead through key plays from Jaiden Wright and service aces. Western New Mexico continued to respond with significant blocks and a service ace from Mikelle McAfee, but Midwestern State maintained their advantage, extending the lead with strong offensive efforts. The set concluded with Western New Mexico narrowing the gap with a series of points, including blocks by Hannah Del Rio (Vacaville, CA/Will C. Wood High School) and Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)), though Midwestern State ultimately secured the set 25-19.

Mikelle McAfee led Western New Mexico defensively, recording 22 digs over three sets. Brynlee Barris contributed significantly at the net, tallying a team-high five total blocks, including three solo blocks, while also adding five kills. Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) delivered offensively with eight kills and defensively with four total blocks in three sets. Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School) showcased versatility by serving two aces and collecting six digs.

Demi Stauffenberg led Midwestern State with 15 digs over three sets, also contributing seven kills and one service ace. Alayna Guerrero was a key playmaker, recording 28 assists with a perfect attack percentage of .625 from five kills. Jaiden Wright displayed efficiency on the attack, achieving a .571 hitting percentage with eight kills and two total blocks. Isabella Dickens provided solid defense and offense, accumulating nine digs and six kills while contributing four blocks.

Western New Mexico holds a 5-6 overall record and is 0-1 in Lone Star Conference play. Midwestern State stands at 7-2 overall and has a 1-0 record in the Lone Star Conference.

Looking ahead, the Western New Mexico volleyball team will travel to Lubbock, Texas, to face Lubbock Christian at the Rip Griffin Center. The match is set for Saturday, Sept. 27, at 1 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).