LUBBOCK, TX — Lubbock Christian (10-4, 2-0 Lone Star) edged Western New Mexico (5-7, 0-2 Lone Star) in a five-set clash at Rip Griffin Center on Saturday. After dropping the second and third sets, Lubbock Christian rallied to win the match 25-21, 25-27, 22-25, 25-12, 15-11. The Mustangs recorded 19 total blocks, but the Chaparrals' effective attack and 67 kills ultimately secured the victory.

The first set began with Western New Mexico establishing the initial lead with a kill by Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School), assisted by Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School). The Chaparrals quickly responded, and after a series of exchanges, pulled ahead with a 5-0 run, capitalizing on the Mustangs' errors to take a 6-2 lead.

WNMU narrowed the gap with contributions from Kaitlyn Salgado and Hailey Meeks, who delivered key kills, but the Chaparrals maintained a slim lead. A late push by Western New Mexico, featuring a service ace from Haggard and a block by Meeks and Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)), cut the deficit to 20-18. However, Lubbock Christian managed to close the set, 25-21, despite the late rally from the Mustangs.

Western New Mexico began the second set with momentum, as Hughes secured the first two points with kills assisted by Haggard. Despite a brief tie at 5-5, they maintained their edge through strategic plays, including a service ace by Kiara McDuffie (Aubrey, TX/Braswell High School) that pushed their lead to 10-10. The team continued to apply pressure, with Posthumus contributing key blocks and kills that kept them competitive.

Midway through the set, the Chaparrals briefly overtook the lead, capitalizing on a few errors to move ahead 19-15. However, WNMU responded with a decisive run, highlighted by a series of blocks from Brynlee Barris and Meeks, which leveled the score at 21-21. The set extended into extra points, where Western's defense proved formidable, with Posthumus blocking consecutive attack errors to secure the set win at 27-25, leveling the match.

Western New Mexico opened the third set with a strong start. Jayla McDuffie's service ace and Posthumus's kill, assisted by Haggard, established an early 2-0 lead. Despite some back-and-forth scoring, the Mustangs maintained composure, with Meeks contributing crucial kills and Barris delivering a key block to keep the match tight at 11-11.

As the set progressed, WNMU capitalized on the Chaparrals' errors and regained momentum with a series of blocks from Meeks and Posthumus, extending their lead to 15-13. The visiting team continued to pressure, with Hughes serving an ace and Posthumus securing pivotal points late in the set.

Western New Mexico closed the set decisively, with Posthumus delivering the final kill off a Haggard assist, securing a 25-22 victory in the third set.

Western New Mexico began the fourth set with an early point from Posthumus, assisted by Haggard, setting a competitive pace. However, the Chaparrals quickly responded and gained momentum with a series of points, including a notable kill by Lily Bickley, extending their lead to 10-3. Despite efforts from WNMU, including blocks by Barris and a kill from Hughes, the Chaparrals continued to capitalize on attack errors.

As the set progressed, the Chaparrals maintained control, making it difficult for the Mustangs to close the gap, despite contributions from Hannah Del Rio (Vacaville, CA/Will C. Wood High School) and Carley Deck (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School). Salgado added a late point, yet the Chaparrals sealed the set with a final kill by Camdyn Sears, taking the set 25-12.

Western New Mexico opened the fifth set with a determined effort, as Posthumus and Meeks delivered crucial kills to keep pace with the Chaparrals. Trailing 7-2, the Mustangs mounted a comeback with a series of scoring plays, highlighted by McDuffie's assists leading to consecutive kills by Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/Shanghai American School) and Salgado, leveling the score at 7-7.

The teams exchanged points, with WNMU briefly pulling ahead 10-9 after a block by Barris and Hughes. However, Lubbock Christian responded with a late surge, capitalizing on the Mustangs' attack errors and securing a 15-11 victory in the set.

Posthumus led Western New Mexico with 10 total blocks and added 10 kills, contributing significantly to the team's defense and attack. Haggard recorded 22 assists and 15 digs, demonstrating her versatility on the court. McDuffie collected 16 digs to bolster the team's defense, while Meeks added nine total blocks and eight kills, showcasing her strength at the net.

Bickley led Lubbock Christian with 19.5 points, recording 17 kills and four total blocks. Abby Dominguez was a key defensive player, tallying 29 digs while contributing five assists. Setter Sears facilitated the offense with 54 assists, also adding 23 digs to her stat line. Schweer was notable at the net, leading the team with five total blocks and contributing 11.5 points.

Looking ahead, the Mustangs will face off against Texas A&M International on Thursday, Oct. 2. The match is set to begin at 6 p.m. at Drag's Court in Silver City, NM.

 

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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).