LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Western New Mexico University fell to New Mexico State University, playing in an exhibition before falling in straight sets, 0-3, at the Pan American Center on Saturday afternoon.
The match began with the Mustangs visiting the Aggies, and the set opened with a competitive exchange of points. Isabella Brewer secured the Mustangs' first point with a kill, assisted by Kiara McDuffie (Aubrey, TX/Braswell High School), tying the score early. The Mustangs then took a brief lead at 6-4 following a series of attack errors by the Aggies. Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) and Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/Shanghai American School) also contributed with key kills to maintain momentum.
Despite a late kill by Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School) assisted by Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School), the Mustangs could not close the gap. The first set concluded with the Aggies winning 25-14.
Western New Mexico faced challenges in the second set against New Mexico State. An early series of errors, including a service error by McDuffie and an attack error by Brynlee Barris, contributed to an initial 5-0 deficit. Despite a service ace from Mikelle McAfee (Casa Grande, AZ/Casa Grande Union High School.) and key kills by Hughes and Brewer, the Mustangs struggled to maintain momentum. Ultimately, the Aggies closed out the set with a 25-14 victory.
Western New Mexico struggled to find momentum during the third set, as the Aggies opened with a string of points, building a 5-0 lead. McKenna Alvarez-Mittelsted (Katy, TX/Cinco Ranch HS) provided a crucial kill to get the Mustangs on the board, followed by an attack error from the Aggies to narrow the gap to 5-2. Despite Rampton's efforts with two key kills, the Mustangs faced difficulties in overcoming the Aggies' offensive plays. The Mustangs managed to put up a fight, with contributions from Barris and Ava Frezza, but ultimately, the set concluded 25-13 in favor of the Aggies, ending the match.
Rampton recorded six kills on 15 attempts, contributing significantly to the offense. McAfee served one ace and added nine digs, demonstrating her defensive capabilities. McDuffie provided six assists and seven digs, supporting both the attack and defense. Haggard also contributed with six assists and three digs, playing a key role in setting up plays.
In their next game, the Mustangs head to Bismarck, North Dakota and will play Bemidji State University on Friday, Aug. 28 at 8:00am MT.
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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).
