Canyon, Texas,   The Western Colorado Mountaineers fell to West Texas A&M in straight sets (3–0) on the opening day of the Lady Buff Classic. Despite a strong defensive effort, Western struggled to maintain momentum against the nationally ranked Lady Buffs.
 
JUST THE FACTS
Final Score: West Texas A&M defeats Western Colorado 3-0 (25-12, 25-9, 25-11)
Records: Western Colorado 0-2 | West Texas A&M 2-0
Location: Canyon, Texas | WTAMU Fieldhouse "The Box"
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• In the opening set, Western traded points early behind a service ace from junior Liv Marshall and a solo block by senior Emalie Depew. Sophomore setter Galatia Andrew spread the offense with assists to senior Olive Rolseth and Junior Kyra Kidd, while junior Kiara Willits anchored the back row.
• Freshman Anuhea Kaʻalele and sophomore Sophia Hernandez came off the bench to provide energy, with Hernandez notching a kill before the Lady Buffs closed the set.
• The second set continued with key contributions from Rolseth and Depew, who each recorded kills, while Kaʻalele assisted on scoring swings by Marshall and Rolseth.
• Marshall also combined with Kaʻalele for a block, and McMillan made defensive stops at the net. However, West Texas A&M used a scoring run to extend its lead and claim the set.
• In the third frame, Western again battled to generate momentum. Depew, Rolseth, and Kidd each delivered kills, supported by assists from Willits and Kaʻalele. McMillan and Depew combined for a block, while Marshall and McMillan added late kills to push the Mountaineers into double digits. West Texas A&M closed the set 25–11 to secure the match.
• Although the Mountaineers (0–2) fell short, their resilience and balanced contributions across the lineup highlighted opportunities for growth against a nationally ranked opponent. The team will return to action Saturday for day two of the Lady Buff Classic in Canyon, Texas.

NET NOTES

• Rolseth led the Mountaineers with five kills, while Depew and Marshall each added three. Kidd contributed three kills and one assist, and McMillan finished with two kills and two block assists.
• Willits directed the offense with 11 assists and three digs, and Kaʻalele added four assists and two block assists. Defensively, Marshall posted a team-high five digs, followed by Hernandez with three.

UP NEXT
Tomorrow, Sat., Sept. 6, the Western Colorado Volleyball teams enters day two of the Lady Buff Classic, taking on Texas A&M International at 8am MT and Oklahoma Baptist at 1pm MT.
 
For more information visit gomountaineers.com.