Dallas Baptist University defeated Western New Mexico University in a four-set volleyball match on Thursday evening at the Burg Center in Dallas. The final scores were 25-16, 22-25, 25-17, and 25-21. With this result, Dallas Baptist improved to a record of 9-4 overall and 3-2 in the Lone Star Conference, while Western New Mexico fell to 8-8 overall and 3-3 in conference play.
Western New Mexico started the first set with a service error but quickly responded with an attack point. The team kept pace early on, tying the score at several points through blocks and kills by Jayden Hughes and Brynlee Barris. Despite these efforts, Dallas Baptist capitalized on errors from Western New Mexico and pulled ahead to win the first set.
In the second set, Western New Mexico overcame an early deficit by taking advantage of opponent errors and effective plays by Daphne Posthumus and Ava Frezza. They managed to tie the score midway through the set before taking a lead with consecutive kills from Barris and Hailey Meeks. A late rally attempt from Dallas Baptist was held off as Western New Mexico secured a 25-22 win in the second set.
The third set saw Western New Mexico open with another kill from Posthumus but fall behind as Dallas Baptist built momentum. Key contributions came from Kaitlyn Salgado and Jade Rampton for Western New Mexico; however, Dallas Baptist maintained their advantage throughout most of the set for a 25-17 victory.
Western New Mexico began strong again in the fourth set but faced challenges as Dallas Baptist’s Karly Wells and Ella Swinn delivered multiple kills that put them ahead. Although Salgado helped narrow the gap with several key points, Western New Mexico ultimately lost the final set 25-21.
Brynlee Barris led Western New Mexico offensively with 11 kills on 20 attempts. Kaitlyn Salgado added nine kills with a .400 hitting percentage. Jade Rampton contributed three kills along with defensive support, while Hannah Haggard recorded 11 assists for her team.
For Dallas Baptist, Reagan Fifer achieved a .789 hitting percentage with no errors on her way to tallying up 15 kills. Lauren Witte also scored significantly for her team—earning points through both attacks and serves—and Madisyn Jones provided effective setting throughout the match.
Looking forward, Western New Mexico will travel to Denton to face Texas Woman's University at Kitty Magee Arena on Saturday at 1 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)."
