Western New Mexico University's volleyball team was defeated by the University of Texas at Tyler in three sets on Saturday at the Herrington Patriot Center. The Mustangs lost with set scores of 25-18, 28-26, and 25-11.
In the opening set, UT Tyler quickly established a lead after a service error from Western New Mexico's Hannah Haggard. Autumn Perry and Alyson Robbins led the Patriots' offense, while Sydney Atkinson delivered the final point to close out the first set.
The second set was more competitive, with both teams exchanging leads. Kills from Daphne Posthumus and Jayden Hughes helped Western New Mexico take an early advantage. Ava Frezza later tied the score at 23-23 with consecutive kills. However, UT Tyler secured the win after a kill by Perry and a block from Kaitlyn Davis and Kailey Manes.
UT Tyler maintained control throughout the third set, building an early lead that Western New Mexico could not overcome. Key plays from Atkinson and Perry contributed to a 25-11 finish for the Patriots.
Posthumus led Western New Mexico with 11 kills and an attack percentage of .391. Hailey Meeks added seven kills on 14 attempts for a .429 hitting percentage. Haggard recorded 14 assists and one service ace, while Jade Rampton made three solo blocks.
For UT Tyler, Anna Arceneaux registered one kill on one attempt along with 20 digs defensively. Robbins had 12 kills and a .455 hitting percentage; Atkinson added 11 kills (.409), while Perry finished with 11 kills and two aces.
Following this match, Western New Mexico holds an overall record of 10-14 (5-9 in Lone Star Conference play). UT Tyler stands at 13-10 overall (9-4 LSC).
Western New Mexico will next play against New Mexico Highlands University on Tuesday, Nov. 4 at the John A. Wilson Complex in Las Vegas, NM.
Western New Mexico University is part of NCAA Division II and competes in the Lone Star Conference. More information about Mustang Athletics can be found at www.wnmumustangs.com or wnmu.edu.
