Western New Mexico University’s volleyball team ended its season with a four-set loss to St. Edward’s University at the Recreation and Convocation Center in Austin, Texas. The Mustangs were defeated 25-15, 23-25, 25-16, 25-23, recording a total of 11 blocks during the match.
St. Edward’s established an early lead in the first set, but WNMU responded with a kill from Daphne Posthumus assisted by Kiara McDuffie to tie the score at 1-1. Jade Rampton contributed several kills as WNMU tried to close the gap. Despite efforts including a block by Hailey Meeks and Brynlee Barris that narrowed the score to 11-13, St. Edward’s maintained control and won the opening set.
WNMU capitalized on errors by St. Edward’s in the second set and took advantage of key plays from Jayden Hughes and Barris to build an 8-4 lead. Kaitlyn Salgado added important kills for WNMU as they held off a comeback attempt by St. Edward’s, ultimately winning the set after an attack error from Addy Badley.
In the third set, St. Edward’s jumped ahead with a service ace and kill from Mia Clay. Although WNMU responded with points from Posthumus and McDuffie, St. Edward’s continued their momentum with multiple kills from Clay to take the set.
The fourth set saw WNMU challenge late in the game as Barris and Posthumus helped narrow St. Edward's lead through kills and blocks alongside Ava Frezza. Despite these efforts, St. Edward's closed out both the set and match.
Barris led WNMU with 12 kills and five block assists for a total of 15.5 points; Posthumus contributed 10 kills and five blocks; Mikelle McAfee recorded 20 digs; McDuffie provided 15 assists along with a service ace.
For St. Edward's, Clay led all players with 21 kills on 50 attempts for a .340 hitting percentage; Morris had 42 assists and three aces; McDonald tallied seven blocks; Badley added five block assists; Ojeda had a team-high of 15 digs.
WNMU concludes its season holding an overall record of 12-17 (6-11 Lone Star Conference), while St. Edward's moves to an even record of 11-11 (8-9 LSC).
“Western New Mexico University is a member of NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University,” according to university officials.
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