Western New Mexico University's volleyball team secured a 3-1 win over Sul Ross State on Saturday at Drag's Court, marking the team's final home game of the season and honoring its seniors. The Mustangs improved their record to 12-15 overall and 6-9 in Lone Star Conference play, while Sul Ross State fell to 3-19 overall and 1-14 in conference competition.
The match opened with Western New Mexico capitalizing on a series of attack errors by Sul Ross State, building an early lead in the first set. Jayla McDuffie played a key role during this stretch, helping push the Mustangs ahead. Senior players Hannah Del Rio and Daphne Posthumus contributed important kills that extended the team's advantage. Despite efforts from Sul Ross State's Cassandra Espinoza, Western New Mexico maintained control and closed out the set with a 25-17 victory.
In the second set, pivotal plays from Brynlee Barris and Posthumus helped turn momentum in favor of Western New Mexico. Additional contributions came from Jayden Hughes and Kaitlyn Salgado, whose timely kills supported the Mustangs' offense. Assisted by Savanna Haefs, who provided essential setups throughout the match, Western New Mexico claimed a 25-16 win in the set.
Sul Ross State responded in the third set by establishing an early lead before Western New Mexico rallied to tie at 6-6. Kills from Hughes and Jade Rampton fueled this comeback effort; however, Sul Ross regained momentum midway through and secured their only set victory at 25-23.
The fourth set saw Western New Mexico post a .625 hitting percentage as they surged ahead with strong net play. Hughes and Barris delivered crucial kills, while Posthumus contributed significant blocks that disrupted Sul Ross State's offense. Senior Carley Deck sealed the match with decisive late kills as Western New Mexico won the final set 25-14.
Statistically, Hughes led her team with 12 kills along with 13 digs. Barris added 11 kills and four solo blocks for a total of 15.5 points, while Posthumus recorded six solo blocks among her seven total blocks on defense. Mikelle McAfee collected a team-high 20 digs.
For Sul Ross State, Espinoza registered 13 kills on 38 attempts (.289 hitting percentage) alongside her defensive tally of 15 digs. BreAnna Quarles led defensively with 18 digs across four sets; Jade Munoz provided support offensively with 21 assists and also tallied double-digit digs.
Western New Mexico University is part of NCAA Division II athletics within the Lone Star Conference (LSC). More information about Mustang Athletics can be found at www.wnmumustangs.com or via university channels including @WNMUathletics on social media platforms X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram.
The Mustangs will conclude their regular season against St. Mary's University on Friday, Nov. 14 at Bill Greehey Arena in San Antonio.
