BISMARCK, N.D. — Western New Mexico (0-1, 0-0 Lone Star) fell to Bemidji State University (1-0, 0-0 NSIC) in a 3-1 match at McDowell Activity Center on Friday. Despite an impressive .381 hitting percentage in the second set, Western NM could not overcome Bemidji State's offensive performance, losing with set scores of 22-25, 25-23, 18-25, and 19-25.
WNMU started the first set with a steady effort against Bemidji State, keeping the score close early on. An initial service ace by Isabella Brewer helped level the score at 2-2. Despite some mid-set challenges, including a series of attack errors, Western New Mexico made a significant push with Brynlee Barris leading a key run that narrowed Bemidji State's lead from 13-5 to 13-11. The visiting team continued to rally, as Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) contributed with crucial blocks and kills that brought Western NM back to a tie at 14-14. However, Bemidji State managed to regain control, capitalizing on Western NM's service errors to close the set at 25-22.
Western NM capitalized on Bemidji State's early errors to take an initial 2-0 lead, with Hannah Haggard's (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School) service leading to attack errors by the opposition. The visitors maintained momentum with key contributions from Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School) and Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/Shanghai American School), both scoring pivotal kills to keep the score competitive through the middle of the set. As the set progressed, Western NM pulled ahead with a timely block by McKenna Alvarez-Mittelsted (Katy, TX/Cinco Ranch HS) and Brynlee Barris, which disrupted Bemidji State's rhythm. Despite service errors from both sides, Western NM secured the set with a decisive kill from Rampton, assisted by Haggard, closing the set at 25-23.
Western NM encountered a challenging third set, with a notable moment occurring when Barris and Hughes teamed up for a block that led to a point, briefly tying the set at 2-2. Despite efforts from Hailey Meeks, who registered two consecutive kills to keep the score close at 6-6, Western NM struggled to maintain momentum. Bemidji State capitalized on Western NM's errors and service aces, eventually pulling ahead. The set concluded with Bemidji State taking the set 25-18.
In the fourth set, Western NM initially kept pace with Bemidji State as Posthumus and Jalissa Costa (Huntington Beach, CA/Marina High School) delivered early kills, maintaining a 3-3 tie. A series of errors by Bemidji State allowed Western NM to gain a slight edge, advancing to a 6-3 lead. However, Bemidji State responded with a series of successful plays, including multiple kills from Ava Athman and Ella Kratochvil, which put them ahead 12-9. Western NM made a late push with key contributions from Barris and Rampton, narrowing the gap to 24-19. Despite this effort, Bemidji State secured the final point following a setting error, concluding the set at 25-19.
Posthumus led Western NM with nine total blocks, contributing significantly to the team's defensive efforts. Barris added six total blocks and recorded six kills, providing a balanced performance on both sides of the net. Rampton finished with eight kills and four block assists, playing a key role in the team's attack. Mikelle McAfee (Casa Grande, AZ/Casa Grande Union High School.) was active defensively, tallying 14 digs to help control the backcourt.
Western NM has an overall record of 0-1.
Looking ahead, Western New Mexico will face Montana State University Billings on Friday, Aug. 28, at 3:30 p.m. in Bismarck, North Dakota.
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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).
