The University of New Mexico women’s soccer team has wasted little time making headlines to start the 2025 campaign. After erupting for a record-setting 8–0 rout of Texas Southern in the season opener, the Lobos battled through 90 minutes of fouls and missed chances before settling for a 1–1 draw on the road at Texas A&M–Corpus Christi on Sunday.
Freshman forward Ayla Dils scored her first collegiate goal in the 41st minute against TAMUCC, giving UNM a halftime lead, but the Islanders equalized in the 86th minute to deny the Lobos a perfect opening weekend. New Mexico controlled nearly every category—outshooting the Islanders 17–5 overall and 6–1 on goal—yet couldn’t find the decisive strike. Junior Nicole Anderson fired a team-high five shots, two on target, but the Lobos were forced to leave Corpus Christi with just a point.
The weekend began in emphatic fashion back home in Albuquerque, where the Lobos dismantled Texas Southern behind Anderson’s first collegiate hat trick. The junior struck three times in the opening 36 minutes, becoming one of just seven players nationwide to record three or more goals in the first week of the season. She was later rewarded with Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week honors—the first of her career.
Five different Lobos scored in that match, including Alèjandra Puerto, who netted a brace, and Savanah Sanchez, who opened the season’s scoring in the seventh minute. Fiona Jenkins dished out three assists, setting a program record in the process. The eight goals were the most ever in a Lobo season opener and the most in a game since 2002.
Head coach Heather Dyche praised the team’s relentless energy: “Any time you can come out and play your style, and obviously a win is great, but to me it was about our energy all night. I didn’t feel like we ever dropped, and that’s something we have to do all year.”
The Lobos return to action Aug. 24, hosting Colorado School of Mines at noon.
Lobo Football Expands Reach with Altitude TV Deal
Lobo fans will have more opportunities than ever to watch their team this fall. The University of New Mexico announced a new partnership with Altitude Sports, bringing four home football games to households across nine states in the West.
The deal ensures that 11 of the Lobos’ 12 games this season will air on linear television, highlighted by the Sept. 27 Rio Grande Rivalry showdown against New Mexico State. Other featured broadcasts include the Sept. 6 home opener against Idaho State, plus Mountain West clashes with Utah State (Oct. 25) and Colorado State (Nov. 15).
“Partnering with Altitude Sports & Entertainment, home of the Nuggets and Avalanche, gives Lobo Football unprecedented exposure,” said Vice President/Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo. “Getting our product out there is critical—to recruiting, to building our fan base, and to raising the profile of UNM Athletics.”
Play-by-play voice Robert Portnoy and former Lobo great DonTrell Moore will serve as the broadcast team. In addition to Altitude’s regional cable and streaming platforms, the games will also stream free on the Mountain West Network.
Fifita Joins Lobo Softball Coaching Staff
The Lobo softball program is adding a fresh face to its staff as Ariel Fifita, a standout infielder at Utah State, has been named an assistant coach under head coach Nicole Orgeron.
Fifita, who graduated this spring with a psychology degree, will work with hitters and infielders. She leaves Logan as one of the Aggies’ top offensive weapons, leading the team in batting average, hits, doubles, total bases, and on-base percentage as a senior. She was also named Second Team All-Mountain West in 2025.
Volleyball Picked Ninth in MW Preseason Poll
The Mountain West volleyball preseason coaches’ poll has the Lobos slotted ninth, but head coach Jon Newman-Gonchar believes his team can climb higher.
UNM enters 2025 coming off a 13–15 campaign and faces a retooled conference that now includes Grand Canyon. The Lobos return eight players with significant experience while adding six newcomers, including four transfers.
Perennial contender Utah State was tabbed the league favorite, followed by Colorado State and San Diego State. Fresno State and Boise State round out the top five.
Lobo fans won’t have to wait long to see the team in action—the first exhibition match is Aug. 23 at home against Division II New Mexico Highlands. The regular season begins Aug. 30–31 with the Lobo Invitational at the Johnson Center.