ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— The University of New Mexico (UNM) is proudly celebrating the achievements of four outstanding athletes who have left an indelible mark on the women’s soccer program. These remarkable players, Jennifer Williams, Kelli Cornell, Jessie Hix, and Jadyn Edwards, have been honored with a spot on the prestigious Mountain West 25th Season Team, an accolade marking the 25th anniversary of the conference.
These Lobos represent the golden era of UNM soccer, with their contributions spanning from 2008 to 2022. What sets this quartet apart is their integral role in securing all six of UNM’s conference championships. This feat ties UNM with former MW school BYU and San Diego State, showcasing the university’s consistent excellence in women’s soccer.
Jennifer Williams, who graced the field from 2008 to 2011, is a living legend in UNM soccer history. She ranks among the top five in program history in various categories, including second in career goals (36) and points (90). Her extraordinary performance led to her name being etched in the record books, holding the UNM record for career shots at 300 and game-winning goals with 16. Williams is also celebrated for her dominance in the 2011 season, where she notched 14 goals, 31 points, and six game-winning goals, making her a key player in the Lobos’ championship run that year.
Kelli Cornell, another UNM great, distinguished herself as one of the finest goalkeepers in the program’s history. Her remarkable accomplishments include holding the top three goals-against-average records in program history, with a remarkable 0.52 in 2010, the best in UNM’s books. She achieved 13 shutouts in 2009, a program record, and reached 240 saves in her career. Cornell’s excellence between the posts solidified her status as a Lobo legend.
Jessie Hix, a native of Albuquerque, showcased her skills in 73 matches and 57 starts, leaving an indelible mark on UNM soccer. She recorded 17 goals and six assists during her Lobo career, making her one of the most memorable players in program history. Her six game-winning goals place her among the program’s top performers, earning her a well-deserved spot on the First-Team All-Mountain West in 2017 and 2018.
The final piece of this remarkable quartet is Jadyn Edwards, who concluded her distinguished Lobo career in 2022. Edwards, hailing from Washington, made history as the player with the most matches played in UNM history, with 94 appearances and 82 starts. Her impressive 31 goals, 24 assists, and 86 points make her one of the most prolific players in program history. Notably, Edwards, alongside Jennifer Williams, earned the title of MW Offensive Player of the Year, a testament to her extraordinary contributions to the team.
In a fitting tribute to their exceptional skills and dedication, these Lobos have left an indelible legacy on UNM women’s soccer, representing the pinnacle of achievement in the Mountain West conference.
Lobos Triumph in Exhibition Match Against Grizzlies
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— The University of New Mexico (UNM) women’s basketball team faced a challenging start in their exhibition match against Adams State but displayed their resilience and clinched a well-earned 60-45 victory.
In this exciting encounter, the Lobos had three players who reached double figures, with Viané Cumber leading the charge with a game-high 16 points, closely followed by Nyah Wilson and Aniyah Augmon, who contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively.
A noteworthy aspect of this game was UNM’s dominance on the boards, outrebounding their opponents 56-25. Charlotte Kohl’s outstanding performance in collecting 18 rebounds played a crucial role in securing the victory. Hannah Robbins and Paula Reus also made significant contributions, each securing eight rebounds, while Viané Cumber displayed her all-around skills with seven rebounds.
Both teams struggled in the early stages of the game, with Adams State missing their first six shots and UNM misfiring on their initial 10 attempts. However, UNM managed to break the drought when Viané Cumber drained a three-pointer, narrowing the deficit to 12-3. The Lobos then staged a comeback, fueled by a 7-0 run in the second quarter, closing the gap to 18-17. UNM’s defensive efforts held Adams State at bay, and the quarter ended with the score tied at 24.
UNM continued to gain momentum in the third quarter, launching an 11-2 run that included key contributions from Nyah Wilson, Aniyah Augmon, and Natalia Chavez. This surge gave the Lobos a comfortable lead of 35-26. Although Adams State made a brief comeback, UNM’s resilience shone through as they secured an impressive 60-45 victory.
The Lobos’ strong rebounding, improved shooting, and tenacious defense were the driving forces behind this exhibition win. With the exhibition season successfully concluded, the team’s focus now shifts to the upcoming regular season, commencing on November 6 against Texas Southern.
Lobos Fall Short in Comeback Attempt, Lose 34-24
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico’s football team faced a challenging contest, with their defense standing strong, but their offense grappling with three first-half interceptions. Despite a valiant effort in the second half, UNM ultimately fell short, losing 34-24 after trailing 24-0 at halftime. The Lobos staged a spirited comeback in the second half, scoring 24 points, but their efforts were not enough to secure the win.
The turning point in the game came in the third quarter, where UNM’s Luke Drzewiecki successfully kicked a career-long 47-yard field goal, kickstarting the Lobos’ resurgence. Quarterback Dylan Hopkins showcased his skills by orchestrating an 84-yard drive in just 45 seconds, connecting with Trace Bruckler for a 25-yard gain and Jeremiah Hixon for a 59-yard touchdown, closing the gap to 24-10.
Despite their strong start to the third quarter, UNM faced adversity when an invalid fair catch signal and a false start forced them to start at their own 10-yard line. Nevada managed to drive down the field, resulting in a field goal by Brandon Talton, extending their lead to 27-10. This drive also saw UNM lose Alec Marenco due to a targeting call.
UNM’s determination was evident as they scored the final 14 points of the game, with touchdowns from Devon Dampier and Jacory Croskey-Merritt, bringing the score to 34-24. However, their comeback efforts fell just short.
The Lobos’ defense displayed resilience throughout the game, allowing just one big play in the first half, a 51-yard pass. Despite their challenging circumstances, the defense held its ground and forced several field goals. In a game filled with ups and downs, the Lobos showed their determination and fighting spirit, offering hope for future success.
While the Lobos couldn’t secure the victory in this match, their unwavering spirit and strong second-half performance highlight their potential for greatness.