RICHMOND, Ky. - One final test in the Colonel Challenge came into play on Saturday (Sept. 11) for Western Illinois volleyball (1-8, 0-0). The team took on New Mexico State (6-3, 0-0) in a morning contest that saw the Aggies win in three sets (9-25, 15-25, 16-25).

Set one saw WIU's hitters all get chances on the attacking end, but NMSU took an early lead to go up 11-5 fresh out of the day's first timeout. A flurry of kills by the Aggies increased the margin on an 8-2 run, on its way to a 25-9 win.

Western struck first in the second period, rolling in a 4-0 start. NMSU soon made it even at 6-6, the first of several tied scores. A kill by Kalynn Davis had her Leathernecks down 13-12. However, the Aggies were quick to answer with an 8-1 push. A lasting 12-3 run ended out the second set with a 25-15 victory.

Likewise to set one, NMSU racked up an early lead in the third -- 6-0. Peyton Bowman and the Davis sisters helped WIU get on the board, trailing 13-6. After regrouping, the Leathernecks succeeded on four consecutive possessions, resulting in a timeout by the Aggies. WIU again tried to make something happen late, but NMSU finished the deal with a 25-16 victory.

Bowman, Kennedy Davis, and Kalynn Davis all chipped in five kills. Kennedy also added two service aces.

Jessie Connell registered 17 assists and six digs. Emma Norris had four kills and three digs.

For a third straight time this season, Kennedy Davis was named to the all-tournament team. She collected 45 kills, 10 digs, six blocks, and four service aces over the weekend.

Before league play begins, one final tournament remains on Western's radar -- the 2021 Cougar Invitational, hosted by Southern Illinois-Edwardsville (Sept. 17-18).