Western New Mexico University's volleyball team was defeated by the University of Texas at Dallas in straight sets on Friday at the UTD Activity Center. The final scores were 9-25, 19-25, and 19-25.
Texas-Dallas began the match with a strong performance, using effective serves and offensive plays to build an early lead. Western New Mexico's Daphne Posthumus contributed several points with successful kills, supported by teammates Kiara McDuffie and Hannah Haggard. However, Western New Mexico struggled with service errors and could not overcome Texas-Dallas's defensive pressure. The first set ended 25-9 in favor of Texas-Dallas.
In the second set, Jayden Hughes sparked some momentum for Western New Mexico with a kill assisted by Haggard, helping tie the score at 3-3 after capitalizing on opponent errors and a service ace from Jayla McDuffie. Despite these efforts, Texas-Dallas regained control and maintained their advantage through consistent scoring. Posthumus and Brynlee Barris added key kills for Western New Mexico, but the Mustangs fell short as Texas-Dallas closed out the set 25-19.
The third set saw another early lead from Texas-Dallas before Western New Mexico narrowed the gap with contributions from Posthumus, Hughes, and Savanna Haefs. The Mustangs managed to stay within reach after a late rally that included a service ace by Mikelle McAfee. Ultimately, Texas-Dallas secured the final point to win the set 25-19.
Key performers for Western New Mexico included Posthumus with eight kills and a .500 hitting percentage over three sets; Haefs who recorded ten assists and one kill; Jayla McDuffie who led defensively with twelve digs; and Barris who finished with three block assists and one service ace.
For Texas-Dallas, Sydney Sabin delivered nine service aces while maintaining a perfect hitting percentage. Jane Burkhardt added nine kills and two service aces for eleven total points. Abby Gentner led in setting up attacks with twenty-three assists alongside ten digs on defense.
Western New Mexico now has an overall record of 10-13 and is 5-8 in Lone Star Conference play. Texas-Dallas improves to a 6-17 overall record with a conference mark of 3-9.
Western New Mexico's next match is scheduled against UT Tyler on Saturday, November 1 at the Louise Herrington Patriot Center in Tyler, Texas.
Western New Mexico University competes in NCAA Division II athletics as part of the Lone Star Conference. More information about Mustang Athletics can be found at www.wnmumustangs.com or about the university at wnmu.edu.
