Western New Mexico University (WNMU) volleyball secured a five-set victory over Texas A&M University-Kingsville in Silver City on Saturday. The Mustangs, now 7-7 overall and 2-2 in the Lone Star Conference, ended a 10-match losing streak against Kingsville, who entered the contest undefeated in conference play.
The match at Drag's Court saw WNMU take the first set 25-18, aided by early points from Daphne Posthumus and Jayden Hughes. Defensive plays from Hughes and Hailey Meeks, along with service aces by Mikelle McAfee and Hughes, helped the Mustangs establish an early lead. Brynlee Barris added a kill and a service ace as Western New Mexico maintained momentum to close out the set.
In the second set, WNMU stayed competitive with kills from Hughes and Jade Rampton but ultimately lost 21-25 after late errors allowed Kingsville to pull ahead. Madelyn Wallace delivered the winning point for the Javelinas.
The third set remained close, with contributions from Barris and Hughes keeping WNMU within reach. Defensive blocks by Posthumus and Ava Frezza slowed Kingsville’s attack temporarily. However, Texas A&M-Kingsville held off a late rally to win another set 25-21.
Facing an early deficit in the fourth set, Western New Mexico rallied behind kills from Hughes and blocks by Barris. Attack errors by Kingsville allowed WNMU to tie at 14-14 before Posthumus gave her team its first lead of the set. Key plays down the stretch from Posthumus and Barris secured a 25-22 win for WNMU.
The deciding fifth set began with a kill by Posthumus assisted by Hannah Haggard. With help from Jayla McDuffie and Barris, WNMU built a lead that Kingsville nearly erased late in the set. Meeks’ final kill clinched a 15-13 victory for Western New Mexico.
WNMU recorded 20 total blocks during the match—the most in program history for volleyball.
Posthumus led all players with 14 kills and five blocks while Barris contributed nine solo blocks and scored 20 points overall. Haggard provided 21 assists and collected 11 digs; Hughes tallied 10 kills, two aces, and matched Haggard’s defensive effort with 11 digs.
For Texas A&M-Kingsville, Wallace had a .588 hitting percentage with 12 kills while Natalee Rush led her team with 17 points on 14 kills at .440 efficiency plus three solo blocks. Rylan Pollard registered 30 assists along with ten digs; Tayae Garcia led defensively with 22 digs.
Western New Mexico is scheduled to play UT Permian Basin at home on October 7 at Drag's Court starting at 6 p.m.
"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)."
