Western New Mexico University Athletics

BISMARCK, N.D. — Western New Mexico (0-3, 0-0 Lone Star) fell in a tightly contested five-set match against Black Hills State University (2-1, 0-0 RMAC) on Saturday at McDowell Activity Center, with final set scores of 17-25, 25-20, 25-27, 25-23, 14-16. Western New Mexico recorded 56 assists and 59 digs, matching Black Hills State's total of 77 points.

Western New Mexico began the first set with a balanced attack, highlighted by a kill from Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) assisted by Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School) to tie the score at 1-1. Despite some strong offensive plays, including multiple kills by Jade Rampton (Nelson, New Zealand/Shanghai American School) and Hailey Meeks, the team faced challenges with several attack errors and service errors, which allowed Black Hills State to maintain a lead. The set concluded with Western New Mexico trailing 25-17.

The Mustangs gained momentum early in the second set with a strong start, highlighted by a service ace from Isabella Brewer and a kill by Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)), assisted by Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School). Despite a brief rally from Black Hills State, Western NM maintained control with key contributions from Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School) and Brynlee Barris. The game remained tightly contested, but Western NM pulled ahead decisively with a series of successful plays, including kills by Isabella Brewer and Posthumus in the closing stages. Western NM capitalized on errors by Black Hills State, sealing the set with a score of 25-20.

Western NM initiated the third set with a strong start, quickly gaining a 2-0 lead with a kill by Isabella Brewer and a service ace by Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School). The teams traded points, maintaining a tight contest with neither side able to establish a significant lead. Western NM managed to level the score at 22-22, driven by key plays from Brynlee Barris and Hailey Meeks. Despite Western NM taking a 24-23 lead with a service ace from Barris, Black Hills State responded effectively, resulting in a back-and-forth finish. Ultimately, Black Hills State secured a narrow 27-25 victory in the set.

Western NM secured the fourth set with a strong start, gaining an early 3-0 lead through effective plays by Jayden Hughes (High Rolls, NM/Cloudcroft High School) and Brynlee Barris, who received assists from Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School). Despite Black Hills State closing the gap, Western NM maintained its edge with key contributions from Hailey Meeks and Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)), capitalizing on errors by their opponents. As Black Hills State attempted a comeback, tying the score at 18-18, Isabella Brewer's timely kills, assisted by Savanna Haefs (Phoenix, AZ/Desert Vista High School), kept Western NM competitive. The set concluded with Brewer and Barris delivering decisive points, while an attack error by Carsyn Mettler sealed a 25-23 victory for Western NM.

Western NM engaged in a tightly contested fifth set against Black Hills State, exchanging points in a back-and-forth battle. Early on, Western NM capitalized on Black Hills State's errors, with Isabella Brewer and Brynlee Barris contributing key kills to keep the score close. A notable moment came when Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) and Hailey Meeks blocked Zoie Husman's attack, leveling the score at 8-8. As the set progressed, Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School) and Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) continued to deliver crucial kills, maintaining the pressure. Despite a late service error, which gave Black Hills State a 15-14 lead, Western NM managed to tie the score again. However, Black Hills State secured the final two points, ending the match with a 16-14 victory in the decisive set.

Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) led with 15 kills and seven total blocks, contributing 19.5 points. Isabella Brewer added 11 kills and one ace for a total of 12.5 points. Brynlee Barris also tallied 10 kills and served two aces, matching Brewer with 12.5 points. Hannah Haggard (Tucson, AZ/Tanque Verde High School) posted a perfect attack percentage, converting two kills on two attempts, and recorded 26 assists.

Western New Mexico has a record of 0-3 this season. Black Hills State holds a 2-1 record overall.

In their next game, Western will face the University of Mary on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 4 p.m. MT in Bismarck, North Dakota.