CANYON, Texas – West Virginia State University (0-4) put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell 3-0 to West Texas A&M (3-1) on Saturday afternoon. Despite a strong start and moments of brilliance, the Yellow Jackets hit just .034 and struggled to overcome a relentless West Texas A&M defense and attack that hit .372. 

Baby Moleni led the attacking effort for the Yellow Jackets, amassing seven slams while Kiersten Eggleton had 12 helpers for the WVSU attack. Libero Milla Smith had 10 digs in the match.

West Virginia State University battled hard in the first set against West Texas A&M, keeping the score close throughout. Strong offensive plays from Maureen Mathews and Moleni helped WVSU stay within reach, while Alyssa Hill contributed crucial kills. Despite their efforts, West Texas A&M pulled ahead late in the set, taking advantage of a few WVSU errors to secure a 25-20 set one win.

The second set saw WVSU fight through a challenging series of errors, but the team displayed resilience, with Mathews and Hill stepping up again. However, West Texas A&M capitalized on their own well-coordinated plays to take the set 25-10, despite WVSU's consistent pressure.

In the third and final set, WVSU showed flashes of a comeback, with key kills and blocks that kept the score competitive. Emma Pomaret and McKenna Wiseman's defensive efforts gave the Yellow Jackets brief momentum, but unforced errors and the overwhelming presence of West Texas A&M's front line proved too much to overcome. The final set ended 25-13, as WVSU fell despite their best efforts.

WVSU now has several days off to prepare for the IUP Invitational next Friday and Saturday, starting off with a match against the hosts on Friday, Sept. 13 at 9 a.m.