By Texas Woman's Athletics Communications 

DENTON, Texas (Oct. 11, 2019) - Texas Woman's fought hard for the straight-set victory over Western New Mexico Friday night, 25-21, 25-23, 25-21.

Beginning the first set with a seven-point run, the Pioneers (9-8, 5-2 LSC) reached set point with a 14-point lead. The Mustangs (4-11, 2-5 LSC) fought back, however, and set off an 11-point run before senior Maggie Pyles put down a kill to the edge of the court and ended the set, 25-21. 

"It was a tough run, credit to number one from Western New Mexico, she served really well tonight," Head Coach Jeff Huebner said. "We have to trust our players to execute and get that last point."

Adjustments made in the first set continued to keep the match close through the second. The Pioneers ran their attack through sophomores Bailey Wozniak, who led the game in assists with 17, and Elizabeth Ugbaja, and junior Tabitha Spray. Ugbaja, who led the Pioneers in kills, ended the second set in TWU's favor, 25-23.

"I think that Liz Ugbaja is just doing a great job for us and she's had a really good stretch of matches," Huebner said. "She had 12 kills against Tarleton, she had a great weekend last weekend, and had 10 kills and hit .348 today. I think she's really coming into her own as a volleyball player, which we're really excited about."

The match continued to stay tight through the third, with early mistakes on the Pioneers' part leading to a seven-point run by the Mustangs. Senior Caroline Noel finally put a stop to Western New Mexico's momentum with a kill assisted by senior Katy Ranes. 

"Caroline Noel did such a good job coming off the bench for us," Huebner said. "She provided a bunch of energy and was really terminal. She affected the game positively as a blocker, which makes a huge difference defensively for us."

TWU trailed the Mustangs for most of the third set until Pyles took over the Pioneers' service and built momentum to overcome the deficit to game point. The Mustangs errored Ranes' serve, ending a hard-fought match at 25-21.  

The Pioneers hit for .237 led by Ugbaja's 10 kills. Spray recorded a game-high 19 digs and Ranes served a game-high five aces.

Friday night was also Faculty/Staff Appreciation as the student-athletes were introduced with their favorite instructor or staff member.

"We're really thankful to the faculty and staff that came out to support," Huebner said. "It's a really cool night and a great way to honor them. It's just a small token of appreciation for all that they do, not only for our student-athletes, but the students in general."

TWU continues league play at home tomorrow with a 3 p.m. first serve against UT-Permian Basin.