Western New Mexico University lost to New Mexico Highlands University in a five-set volleyball match at the John A. Wilson Complex. The final set scores were 25-23, 19-25, 25-15, 18-25, and 12-15.
Western New Mexico started strong in the first set with contributions from Daphne Posthumus and Hannah Haggard. The Mustangs built an early lead through blocks and kills by Posthumus and Jade Rampton. Kaitlyn Salgado and Jayden Hughes helped secure points that led to a narrow 25-23 win in the opening set.
In the second set, Western New Mexico took an early advantage with plays from Hailey Meeks and Brynlee Barris. However, New Mexico Highlands tied the score at 12-12 after capitalizing on Mustang errors. Despite efforts from Hughes, the Cowgirls pulled ahead late to take the set 25-19.
The third set saw Western New Mexico regain control as Hughes scored early with help from Jayla McDuffie. Errors by New Mexico Highlands widened the Mustangs' lead before a service error ended the set in favor of Western New Mexico at 25-15.
New Mexico Highlands opened the fourth set quickly with multiple kills by Aziza Morris, establishing a lead that was extended by Jaylee Gonzales's performance. Although Western New Mexico closed the gap mid-set through aces and opponent mistakes, they could not overcome their deficit and lost the set 18-25.
In the deciding fifth set, Salgado and Posthumus provided key points for Western New Mexico but a service error allowed Highlands to extend their lead. Despite late efforts including kills by Barris and Salgado, Western New Mexico fell short as Highlands won the final set 15-12.
Jayden Hughes recorded five blocks over five sets for Western New Mexico. Daphne Posthumus achieved 11 kills on 20 attempts with a .500 hitting percentage along with five blocks. Haggard contributed offensively with 18 assists and defensively with 11 digs; Savanna Haefs added another 25 assists.
For New Mexico Highlands, Jaylee Gonzales led her team both offensively (21 points) and defensively (16 digs), while also recording a .351 hitting percentage on her way to scoring sixteen kills. Arianna Jamerson added fifteen kills; Aziza Morris contributed fourteen more.
Following this match, Western New Mexico holds an overall record of ten wins and fifteen losses (5–9 in Lone Star Conference play). Their next game is scheduled against Adams State University on November 5 at Plachy Hall Gym in Alamosa, Colorado at 6 p.m.
Western New Mexico University is part of NCAA Division II athletics within the Lone Star Conference.
