The Lobo Men’s Basketball team capped off an impressive run in the Mountain West Conference tournament to earn an automatic qualifier spot in the NCAA Tournament as Lobo athletics had a great weekend as a whole.
New Mexico Women’s Golf Makes Strides in Hawaii
The New Mexico women’s golf team is climbing the leaderboard at the Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational in Kauai, Hawaii. After a shaky first round, the Lobos found their rhythm in the second round, shooting up five places to secure a strong eighth-place position. The team’s success can be attributed in part to a trio of players: Lauren Lehigh, Annie Saechung, and Maria Caparros Levin. All three golfers carded impressive 1-under par 71s in the second round, propelling the Lobos up the standings. With Lehigh currently tied for 14th place individually, the Lobos are in a good position to make a final push for an even higher finish when the tournament concludes on Tuesday.
Lobos Celebrate Dramatic Win and Coaching Milestone on the Baseball Diamond
The New Mexico baseball team had a reason to celebrate this weekend, earning a thrilling 10-7 victory over the Nevada Wolf Pack. The win wasn’t just any victory, though, as it marked a significant milestone for Head Coach Tod Brown. With this win, Coach Brown reached an impressive 400 career victories, solidifying his legacy as one of the winningest coaches in program history. Freshman standout Reed Spenrath was a force at the plate, leading the Lobos’ offensive attack with a two-RBI double and a three-run homer, driving in a game-high five runs. Sophomore Jake Holland wasn’t to be outdone, putting together a well-rounded performance with four hits, four runs scored, and a solo homerun. Relief pitcher Josh Barnhouse displayed composure on the mound, shutting down the Wolf Pack in the final innings with two scoreless frames to secure the win. The victory keeps the Lobos’ momentum high as they head back home on Tuesday for a matchup against their Rio Grande Rivalry foes, the New Mexico State Aggies.
New Mexico Tennis Victorious After Nearly Two Decades
The New Mexico women’s tennis team rewrote the record books this weekend, defeating their rivals UNLV 4-3 in a dramatic match. The win holds immense significance as it snapped a grueling 19-year losing streak for the Lobos against the Rebels. The foundation for victory was laid in doubles play, where Leonie Hoppe and Katherine Jhang, along with Hsuan Huang and Maria Sodre, secured wins for the Lobos. The pressure then shifted to the singles matches, where every set seemed to be a nail-biter. Ultimately, it all came down to Hoppe’s fifth-singles contest. Displaying nerves of steel, Hoppe battled back in a close second set and emerged victorious in the deciding points, sealing the historic win for the Lobos. This victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team and coaching staff, and it undoubtedly serves as a confidence booster for the rest of the season.
Lobos Capture Mountain West Championship
The New Mexico men’s basketball team etched their names in Mountain West history this weekend, capturing the 2024 conference championship with a hard-fought 68-61 victory over San Diego State. The Lobos’ triumph wasn’t just about the win itself; it was about the way they achieved it. New Mexico became the first team in conference history to win four games in four days to secure the title, showcasing their resilience and determination throughout the tournament. Leading the charge was Jaelen House, who was rightfully named tournament MVP after a dominant performance. House poured in a game-high 28 points, keeping the Lobos in the game whenever San Diego State threatened to pull away. Jamal Mashburn, Jr. and JT Toppin provided crucial support, contributing 21 points and a double-double (13 points, 11 rebounds) respectively. Now, the Lobos set their sights on the biggest stage in college basketball, the NCAA Tournament. They’ll head to Memphis as an 11th seed in the West Region, where they’ll face No. 6 seed Clemson in their opening-round matchup on Friday.