Western New Mexico University’s volleyball team began play at the Mountain Lion Classic in Colorado Springs, facing Jamestown and the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) on Friday. The Mustangs lost both matches, bringing their season record to 2-4.
In the first match against Jamestown, Western New Mexico pushed the contest to five sets but ultimately fell short with scores of 25-17, 21-25, 25-21, 23-25, and 15-10. After dropping the opening set despite tying at 8-8 with a block from Ava Frezza and Daphne Posthumus, the Mustangs responded by winning the second set. Key contributions came from Hannah Haggard with a service ace and support from Jayden Hughes and Kaitlyn Salgado.
Jamestown regained momentum in the third set before Western New Mexico forced a deciding fifth set after taking the fourth behind blocks from Hannah Del Rio and Posthumus. In the final frame, Jamestown started strong; although Western New Mexico narrowed the gap to four points late in the set, they could not close it out.
Jayden Hughes led Western New Mexico with 12 kills and a .550 hitting percentage. Mikelle McAfee recorded 18 digs on defense while Posthumus registered eight total blocks at the net.
The second match saw UCCS sweep Western New Mexico in three sets: 25-14, 25-22, and 25-10. UCCS opened each set strongly and capitalized on Mustang errors throughout. Despite an early lead in the second set for Western New Mexico and a late rally attempt, UCCS held firm to win.
Posthumus again led scoring for Western New Mexico against UCCS with eight kills on .583 hitting efficiency. Savanna Haefs contributed with 12 assists and two service aces.
Western New Mexico will continue play at the Mountain Lion Classic when they face Western Colorado University at Gallogly Events Center on September 13.
"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)."
