CANYON, Texas – The #5 Lady Buffs of West Texas A&M used a season-best 16 blocks to defeat #21 Bentley in four sets at the Auraria Event Center, claiming a 26-24, 25-15, 22-25, 25-22 victory to open the 2025 Colorado Premier Challenge in Denver, Colorado.
 
The first set saw a tightly contested matchup, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. The Lady Buffs capitalized on critical errors from Bentley to pull ahead, highlighted by a decisive block from Sharlotte McClintock and Kael Wilcox at 23-23. Bromli Watson's consistent setting, resulting in multiple successful kills, including a pivotal one by Emma Becker at 24-24, kept the home team in contention. Ultimately, Becker's final kill secured the 26-24 victory for WT.
 
The Lady Buffs started the second set with a steady comeback after falling behind 4-1, powered by Taytum Stow's two kills. The team capitalized on Bentley errors and a series of kills from Currie Marusak and McClintock, surging to a 17-7 lead with contributions from Watson's assists. A late push by Bentley narrowed the gap slightly, but the Lady Buffs maintained control, closing the set 25-15 with key blocks from Wilcox and McClintock.
 
The third set saw an intense battle as the Lady Buffs opened strong, with Watson orchestrating an early 4-1 lead, highlighted by a service ace from Hannah Pemberton at 3-1. Despite a mid-set rally from Bentley, bringing the score to 11-11, Stow's decisive kill from Watson reclaimed momentum for WT at 12-11. While Becker's late back-to-back kills narrowed the gap to 24-22, Bentley managed to edge out the set 25-22, with Elizabeth Blinn securing the final point.
 
The fourth set saw the Lady Buffs maintain a narrow lead, clinching a 25-22 victory against Bentley. After a back-and-forth start, Stow and Becker fortified the defense with critical blocks at 8-2, setting the tone early in the set. Pemberton's service ace at 6-2 and Watson's consistent assists fueled the offense, while Stow's late kills and timely blocks sealed the set and match.
 
Stow posted 11 kills on 20 attempts, achieving a .550 hitting percentage, and led the team with nine total blocks. Watson facilitated the offense with 39 assists and contributed seven blocks in four matches. Becker added 13 kills and recorded nine digs while participating in all four games. Kaycee Cavanaugh provided a strong defensive performance with 17 digs.
 
Blinn led Bentley with 14 kills and a strong .462 hitting percentage, contributing significantly with 17.0 points and six total blocks. Tory Vitko was pivotal in the setting department, recording 43 assists over four games. Aria Birdsong added depth with nine digs, enhancing the defensive effort. Katelyn Rutledge made her presence felt with 12 kills and a .286 hitting percentage, alongside four blocks for 14.0 points.
 
The Lady Buffs return to the court tonight as they close out pool play at 7:00 p.m. CT as they battle #15 Point Loma at the Auraria Event Center in Denver.