BISMARCK, ND. - Western New Mexico University (1-3, 0-0 Lone Star) secured a 3-1 win over the University of Mary (2-2, 0-0 NSIC) on Saturday, with set scores of 25-19, 25-19, 22-25, and 25-12. The Mustangs achieved a notable .500 hitting percentage in the decisive fourth set.
Western New Mexico began the first set with a strong performance, taking an early lead with key plays from Isabella Brewer and Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School). Despite brief ties, the Mustangs maintained momentum with Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) contributing crucial kills, supported by Hannah Haggard's (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School) assists. The set saw several lead exchanges, but Western New Mexico pulled ahead decisively in the latter stages. A late surge, highlighted by a run of points from Haggard's service, secured the set for Western New Mexico, finishing at 25-19.
The Mustangs orchestrated a crucial comeback in the second set, highlighted by a significant service run from Brynlee Barris, who delivered both a service ace and multiple forced errors from Mary to level the score at 10-10. A series of key plays, including kills by Brewer and Hailey Meeks, allowed Western New Mexico to gain momentum and extend their lead. The set concluded with a decisive sequence as Brewer and Posthumus secured the final points, leading the Mustangs to a 25-19 victory.
Western New Mexico started the third set strong, capitalizing on an attack error by Natalie Boehmer and following up with a service ace by Brewer to take an early lead. Mary responded with a series of points that kept the score close, but the Mustangs managed to maintain a slight advantage through timely kills by Barris and Hughes. Despite Western New Mexico's efforts, including key kills by Meeks and Posthumus, Mary staged a late comeback to inch ahead. The Mustangs fought back with consecutive points, drawing level at 17 before a series of errors allowed Mary to pull away. The set concluded with a 25-22 victory for Mary, ending the match.
Western New Mexico surged in the fourth set, capitalizing on a series of errors by Mary and demonstrating offensive strength. Posthumus and Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/Shanghai American School) contributed early kills, pushing the score to 4-1. A significant sequence saw Barris dominate with multiple kills, including the decisive point from a set by Savanna Haefs (Phoenix, AZ/Desert Vista High School), bringing the score to 25-12. Western New Mexico closed out the game with a 25-12 win in the final set, securing a decisive victory.
Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) recorded 11 kills and contributed significantly at the net with eight total blocks, amassing 15 points. Brynlee Barris matched those 15 points, posting 11 kills with a hitting percentage of .450, and added four block assists. Isabella Brewer finished with 11 kills on a .375 hitting percentage and led the defensive effort with 12 digs. Hailey Meeks contributed to the team's blocking with five block assists, while also securing seven kills.
The Mustangs have a record of 1-3 overall.
Looking ahead, the Western New Mexico volleyball team will face Southeastern Oklahoma State University on Friday, Sept. 4. The match is set for 11:30 a.m. MT at the John A. Wilson Complex in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
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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).
