Western New Mexico University's volleyball team lost in three straight sets to West Texas A&M University on Thursday at Drag's Court. The match ended with scores of 21-25, 9-25, and 18-25. Western New Mexico now holds an overall record of 8-10 and a Lone Star Conference record of 3-5, while West Texas A&M improves to 14-4 overall and 6-1 in conference play.
The Mustangs began the first set with a point from an attack error by their opponent. Jayden Hughes and Kaitlyn Salgado contributed early kills to keep the score close. Hailey Meeks and Brynlee Barris added defensive blocks that helped the Mustangs tie the score at 10. Western New Mexico briefly led after capitalizing on several attack errors by West Texas A&M but could not maintain momentum as their opponents regained control late in the set for a 25-21 win.
In the second set, Western New Mexico struggled to respond as West Texas A&M extended its lead through a series of Mustang errors. Despite efforts from Jayla McDuffie, who assisted on a kill by Meeks, and Barris’s blocking, the Lady Buffs dominated the set and closed it out with a service ace for a decisive 25-9 victory.
The third set saw key kills from Hughes and Daphne Posthumus that kept Western New Mexico within reach early on. Additional points came from Barris and Carley Deck, but Emma Becker of West Texas A&M delivered multiple kills that helped her team extend its lead. Although Western New Mexico narrowed the gap late in the set, West Texas A&M secured the final points for a 25-18 win.
Hughes finished with six kills and six digs for Western New Mexico. Barris recorded seven kills and two total blocks. Posthumus had six kills along with one block, while Meeks contributed three total blocks defensively.
For West Texas A&M, Emma Becker led all players with 15 kills for a total of 16 points across three sets. Taytum Stow added six solo blocks and scored 12 points. Bromli Watson managed the offense with 29 assists and contributed defensively with ten digs.
Western New Mexico will next face Eastern New Mexico on October 18 at noon at Drag's Court in Silver City.
For more information about Mustang Athletics or upcoming games, visit www.wnmumustangs.com or follow @WNMUathletics on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram.
