BISMARCK, N.D. — Western New Mexico University (0-2, 0-0 Lone Star) fell to Montana State University Billings in a four-set match, losing 1-3, with set scores of 25-16, 19-25, 24-26, and 23-25. Despite the loss, the Mustangs recorded 12 total blocks and 55 digs, demonstrating a solid defensive effort.
Western New Mexico opened the first set with a strong showing, quickly responding to Montana State Billings' initial point with a service error from the home team. Jade Rampton's (Nelson, New Zealand/Shanghai American School) kill, assisted by Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School), helped maintain an early lead for the visitors. McKenna Alvarez-Mittelsted (Katy, TX/Cinco Ranch HS) contributed significantly with crucial kills, extending the Mustangs' advantage.
As the set progressed, the Mustangs capitalized on several attack errors by the Yellowjackets, widening the gap. Brynlee Barris and Isabella Brewer added critical points through kills, and Mikelle McAfee's (Casa Grande, AZ/Casa Grande Union High School.) service ace further solidified the Mustangs' control. Western New Mexico closed the set decisively with a 25-16 victory.
The Mustangs initially took the lead in the second set with a service ace by Jalissa Costa (Huntington Beach, CA/Marina High School) and a block by Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/Shanghai American School) and Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)). Despite a brief equalizer by the Yellowjackets, the Mustangs regained momentum with a series of points, including a kill by Alvarez-Mittelsted and a block by Barris, establishing a 9-6 lead.
The Yellowjackets responded with a run, closing the gap and eventually surpassing the Mustangs. A decisive stretch saw the Yellowjackets capitalize on errors and effective kills, ultimately ending the set at 25-19 in their favor.
Western New Mexico initiated the third set with a strong start, capitalizing on a service ace by Costa and a kill by Rampton to take an early 3-1 lead. However, the Yellowjackets responded, closing the gap and eventually taking the lead at 6-3 with a series of well-executed plays. Western New Mexico battled back with key contributions from Brewer and Posthumus, tying the set at 11-11.
The set remained tightly contested, with Western New Mexico regaining a narrow lead at 17-14 following a sequence of errors from the Yellowjackets. Despite the Mustangs' effective blocking and attacking, the Yellowjackets persisted, tying the match at 23-23. In a tense conclusion, Western New Mexico tied the game at 24-24 with a kill from Alvarez-Mittelsted, but the Yellowjackets secured the final two points to win the set 26-24. The game concluded with the Yellowjackets taking the set, leaving Western New Mexico with a close defeat.
The Mustangs made a strong push in the fourth set, establishing an early 5-1 lead through consistent pressure, highlighted by Barris's block on Emma Fairbairn and a series of attack errors from the Yellowjackets. Brewer and Hailey Meeks contributed crucial kills, helping Western New Mexico maintain its edge despite the Yellowjackets' attempts to close the gap.
Despite a sustained effort from the Mustangs, culminating in a 22-18 advantage with Alvarez-Mittelsted's kill, the Yellowjackets rallied late. Key plays from Allie Dorman and Fairbairn allowed the Yellowjackets to mount a comeback, ultimately overtaking Western New Mexico in a tense finish. The set concluded with the Yellowjackets securing a 25-23 victory, ending the match.
Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) led the team with 12 kills and contributed significantly at the net with five total blocks. Mikelle McAfee (Casa Grande, AZ/Casa Grande Union High School.) anchored the defense, recording 17 digs. Barris added eight kills while also leading the team with six total blocks. Alvarez-Mittelsted was effective on offense, finishing with 11 kills and two total blocks.
Western New Mexico has a record of 0-2 overall.
Up next for Western New Mexico is a matchup against Black Hills State University (S.D.) on Saturday, Aug. 29. The game will take place at 10:30 a.m. MT in Bismarck, North Dakota.
***
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).
