Box Score CANYON, Texas — West Texas A&M (12-4, 4-1 Lone Star) defeated Midwestern State (9-4, 3-2 Lone Star) in four sets on Tuesday evening, 25-15, 25-13, 21-25, 25-19, at WTAMU Fieldhouse, highlighted by its seven service aces.
The match commenced with Midwestern State taking an early lead.
Jaiden Wright secured the first point through a kill assisted by
Alayna Guerrero.
Trinity Vinzant and
Demi Stauffenberg contributed to a quick 3-1 advantage. However, West Texas A&M responded with a series of successful plays to shift momentum, culminating in a 6-3 lead.
As Set 1 progressed, MSU found moments of success, highlighted by kills from
Arrianna Fields and
Isabella Dickens. Despite these efforts, West Texas A&M's consistent offense, led by Taytum Stow and supported by Bromli Watson's assists, extended their lead. MSU struggled to regain control as the set drew to a close.
Ultimately, MSU's efforts to close the gap were countered by West Texas A&M's strong finish, resulting in a 25-15 score at the end of Set 1.
West Texas A&M seized momentum early in Set 2, quickly building a 3-0 lead. Despite a brief response from the Mustangs with kills from
Alayna Guerrero and
Trinity Vinzant, West Texas A&M extended their advantage to 7-2 through consistent attacking play led by Emma Becker and Kaycee Cavanaugh.
MSU found pockets of success with additional kills from Vinzant and
Arrianna Fields, bringing the score to 18-9. However, West Texas A&M countered effectively with a service ace from Miranda Acosta and multiple contributions from Currie Marusak, widening the gap.
The set concluded with the Buffs maintaining their advantage, securing a 25-13 set victory. The Maroon & Gold's attempts to close the deficit included a late block by Fields and
Jaiden Wright, but the home team held firm to close the set.
MSU opened Set 3 with a strong defensive stance against West Texas A&M, as
Trinity Vinzant and
Jaiden Wright combined for an early block on Emma Becker to level the score at 1-1. Despite some initial errors, the Mustangs quickly regained momentum through a service ace by Vinzant, sparking a 9-0 scoring run that included multiple kills from
Arrianna Fields and
Demi Stauffenberg to take a 10-5 lead.
MSU maintained control with efficient setups from Guerrero, who assisted multiple kills, including a critical strike by
Isabella Dickens that kept the team ahead 14-11. West Texas A&M mounted a comeback effort, tying the score at 18-18, but Fields' consistent attacking helped MSU regain the lead.
In the closing stages, MSU capitalized on opponent errors, with key blocks from Guerrero and Dickens sealing the victory. MSU secured Set 3, 25-21.
MSU initiated Set 4 with a kill from
Trinity Vinzant, assisted by Guerrero, marking an early exchange of points with West Texas A&M. However, WTAMU quickly established a lead, propelled by Taytum Stow's multiple kills. Despite a brief setback with an attack error, Fields and Stauffenberg responded with kills to keep MSU within reach.
As the set progressed, MSU managed to capitalize on opponent errors and strong blocks, notably by Vinzant and Wright, narrowing the gap to four points at 20-16. Stauffenberg's consistent performance was crucial, as she added multiple kills to the scoreboard.
Ultimately, West Texas A&M maintained their advantage, with Becker and Cavanaugh securing decisive points. MSU's late surge, highlighted by Dickens' kill, was not enough to overturn the deficit. WTAMU secured the set 25-19, concluding the match.
Guerrero led the team in setting with 39 assists and added nine digs over four games. Fields paced the attack with 13 kills on 30 attempts, contributing 13.5 points.
Jenna Redding anchored the defense, recording a team-high 11 digs. Vinzant contributed both offensively and defensively, recording nine kills and four total blocks.
Looking ahead, the Maroon & Gold will host Oklahoma Christian at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. The match is set for 6 p.m. on Friday, October 10.
