Western New Mexico University’s volleyball team improved its conference record to 3-2 after a five-set win against UT Permian Basin on Tuesday at Drag’s Court. The Mustangs, now 8-7 overall, secured the victory with set scores of 25-13, 23-25, 30-28, 13-25, and 15-10.
In the opening set, Western New Mexico overcame an early deficit and established control through scoring runs initiated by Daphne Posthumus and Jayden Hughes. Jayla McDuffie contributed two service aces during a streak that pushed the lead to 8-2. The Mustangs continued to build their advantage with additional aces from Brynlee Barris and key points from Kaitlyn Salgado and Posthumus, finishing the set 25-13.
The second set saw the Mustangs take an early lead, with Posthumus making contributions on both offense and defense. Hailey Meeks delivered several kills to help maintain momentum. However, errors allowed UT Permian Basin to catch up and eventually edge out Western New Mexico, closing the set at 25-23.
In a closely contested third set, Hughes and Barris helped erase UT Permian Basin’s lead. Blocks by Jade Rampton and Posthumus, along with timely kills from Salgado, gave Western New Mexico a slight edge. The teams exchanged points late in the set before a final service error by UT Permian Basin allowed Western New Mexico to claim a 30-28 win.
Western New Mexico started strong in the fourth set but struggled with attack errors as UT Permian Basin capitalized on plays by Ashlee Macias and Lauren Demuth. The visitors took control midway through the set and closed it out with a block from Kimaya Webb and Amyah Collins for a 25-13 win.
In the deciding fifth set, Western New Mexico recovered quickly after trailing early. A service ace from Barris helped establish a narrow lead that was maintained through key blocks from Salgado, Rampton, and Posthumus. Despite a brief rally by UT Permian Basin, kills from Barris and Ava Frezza secured the final points for Western New Mexico, ending the match at 15-10.
Barris led Western New Mexico with 12 kills, four blocks, and totaled 18 points. Meeks added 16 kills and three blocks for another 18 points. Mikelle McAfee recorded 18 digs over five sets while Posthumus contributed five total blocks and nine kills.
For UT Permian Basin, Macias finished with 23 kills on a .320 hitting percentage along with 15 digs for a total of 26 points. Kierra Freeman recorded 29 assists and three service aces; Webb had five kills on .571 hitting with three blocks; Whatley contributed ten kills; Andrea Urzua delivered one ace and seven digs.
Western New Mexico will play its next match on Friday, October 10 at Dallas Baptist University’s Burg Center in Dallas, Texas.
Western New Mexico University is part of NCAA Division II athletics within the Lone Star Conference. More information about Mustang Athletics can be found at www.wnmumustangs.com or about the university at wnmu.edu.
