This past weekend was an action-packed one for the University of New Mexico Lobos, with major developments across football, soccer, and cross-country. The Lobos showcased their strength, resilience, and skill, delivering memorable performances that set the tone for the upcoming season.
Late Touchdown Dashes Mendenhall’s Debut Hopes
The Lobos football team faced a heartbreaking defeat on August 24th as they hosted their season opener. In a game that saw moments of brilliance and promise, Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall’s debut was spoiled by a late touchdown from the visiting team. The Lobos showed determination, battling through a tough contest, but ultimately fell just short of securing victory. Despite the loss, there were positive takeaways, with the team displaying solid defense and flashes of offensive potential. Mendenhall, while disappointed, remained optimistic about the team’s prospects for the season.
The Lobos looked poised to open the Mendenhall era with a win, leading 31-14 late in the 4th quarter. The visiting Montana State, the #9 team in the FCS last season, charged back led by a rushing attack from Adam Jones, who put the Bobcats in striking distance before retaking the lead, 35-31.
Lobos Soccer Dominates Oregon in Commanding Win
In a thrilling display of soccer, the UNM women’s soccer team delivered a dominant performance against the Oregon Ducks on August 25th. The Lobos cruised to a 3-1 victory, with three different players finding the back of the net. The match was a testament to the team’s depth and coordination, as they controlled the game from start to finish. The win marked an important confidence boost for the squad as they look to build momentum early in the season.
Presley Devey Honored as Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week
Lobos soccer continued to make headlines as Presley Devey was named the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week on August 26th. Devey’s outstanding performance in recent matches earned her the prestigious recognition, highlighting her crucial role in the team’s success. Her ability to create opportunities and execute in the final third has been instrumental in the Lobos’ strong start to the season.
Lobos Cross-Country Teams Secure Top Spots in Preseason Polls
The UNM cross-country teams received high rankings in the USTFCCCA preseason polls released on August 27th, with the men’s team securing the No. 8 spot and the women’s team coming in at No. 20. These rankings underscore the strength and reputation of the Lobos in the national cross-country scene. With these promising placements, both teams are poised for a competitive season, eager to uphold their standing and achieve even greater success as the season progresses.
Overall, it was a weekend of mixed emotions for the Lobos, with both triumphs and challenges. As the fall sports season gets underway, the University of New Mexico’s athletes are showing they are ready to compete at the highest levels, with fans eagerly anticipating what’s to come.