As the seasons progress, the New Mexico Lobos are fully engaged in a variety of sports, showcasing both triumphs and challenges across their teams. From the court to the field, here’s an overview of their latest performances.
Volleyball: Lobos Suffer Defeat Against San Jose State
In a competitive match on Saturday, the New Mexico Lobos’ volleyball team encountered San Jose State and suffered a setback, losing in four sets with scores of 21-25, 21-25, 25-22, and 13-25. Throughout the match, both teams exhibited competitive spirit, leading to 13 ties and seven lead changes.
The Lobos demonstrated resilience in the third set, achieving a notable performance with 12 kills and a hitting percentage of .357. Key players included Madeleine Miller, who opened with a service ace, and Kialah Jefferson, who contributed to a critical 6-0 run. The Lobos pushed hard to stay in contention, narrowing San Jose State’s lead to 23-22 in the third set. However, a decisive kill from Elizabeth Woods secured the set for the Lobos, momentarily staving off defeat.
Despite the promising effort in the third set, the Lobos struggled in the fourth. Trailed by their opponents, the Spartans finished on a high note, managing to score 12 of the final 15 points. This marked the end of New Mexico’s nine-match losing streak. Looking ahead, the Lobos will return to Albuquerque to take on Nevada and Utah State next week at the Johnson Center.
Cross Country: Landmark Achievements at Mountain West Championships
At the Mountain West Championships held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the New Mexico Lobos’ cross country teams made history by claiming both the men’s and women’s titles for the first time since 2014. This accomplishment highlights the strength of the program and the hard work of its athletes.
Freshman Pamela Kosgei led the women’s 6K race, claiming the individual championship title and making history as the first freshman in the program to do so. Kosgei finished the race in an impressive time of 19:36.2, which stands as the second-fastest finish in championship history. Her performance played a crucial role in the women’s team achieving a total score of just 32 points, with four other teammates finishing within the top 11.
On the men’s side, Habtom Samuel defended his title in the 8K race, becoming the first Lobos runner to win back-to-back titles since 2006. The men’s team excelled with a perfect score of 15, placing 1-5 individually, showcasing exceptional depth and dominance. This impressive finish further emphasizes the Lobos’ ongoing legacy in cross country, a sport in which they have consistently excelled.
In recognition of their achievements, Head Coach Darren Gauson earned the distinction of Coach of the Year for both the men’s and women’s teams, underscoring the program’s depth of talent and successful leadership.
Football: Narrow Loss to Wyoming Affects Bowl Eligibility Hopes
In a thrilling encounter, the New Mexico Lobos football team faced a challenging defeat against Wyoming, losing 49-45 in a game that had major implications for their bowl eligibility. The high-scoring clash featured a dramatic fourth quarter where a critical interception return for a touchdown by Wyoming shifted the momentum in favor of the visitors.
The Lobos showcased some standout performances, including an impressive 85-yard touchdown run by quarterback Devon Dampier. Additionally, the defense held strong throughout much of the second half, keeping the game close. However, a late turnover proved costly, allowing Wyoming to capitalize and narrow the Lobos’ lead, which eventually culminated in a go-ahead touchdown following an 88-yard drive.
With this loss, the Lobos’ season record stands at 3-6, putting their hopes for bowl eligibility at risk. The team will look to regroup and bounce back in a critical upcoming game against San Diego State, scheduled for Friday night.
Basketball: Men’s Team Starts Season with Victory Over Nicholls
The New Mexico men’s basketball team kicked off their 2024-25 season with an exhilarating 91-84 win against Nicholls at The Pit. The match showcased the individual talent of the Lobos, as three players registered double-doubles—a feat not seen for the team in 27 years.
Leading the way was Nelly Junior Joseph, who matched his career-high with 28 points while also grabbing 16 rebounds. Joining him in notable performance were Mustapha Amzil and Donovan Dent, both of whom achieved double-doubles as well. Despite facing a late-game surge from Nicholls, the Lobos managed to hold onto their lead, marking their 22nd consecutive victory in season openers.
As they look to build momentum, the Lobos are set to face a challenging opponent: No. 22 UCLA in Las Vegas on Friday, with the game scheduled for broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
Women’s Basketball: Narrow Defeat in Season Opener Against Northern Arizona
The New Mexico women’s basketball team faced a heart-wrenching loss in their season opener against Northern Arizona, falling just short with a final score of 80-78. Despite leading for a significant portion of the game, the Lobos were unable to maintain their advantage in the critical moments of the fourth quarter.
In a tightly contested finish, the game saw the score tied in the dying seconds. Unfortunately for the Lobos, Northern Arizona managed to secure a last-second basket that clinched the victory and denied New Mexico their first win of the season.
Following this close defeat, the Lobos will regroup and strategize as they prepare for their upcoming matchups, looking to find their rhythm and secure a victory in their next outings.
Football Honors: Walk-On Receiver Nominated for Burlsworth Trophy
In an exciting development for New Mexico’s football program, senior walk-on receiver Michael Buckley has been nominated for the prestigious Burlsworth Trophy. This accolade honors the top college football player who began their career as a walk-on, highlighting the perseverance and dedication of players who rise through the ranks.
Buckley’s journey with the Lobos has been marked by determination, as he spent his first three years with limited playtime. However, he broke through this season with a standout performance against Colorado State, where he recorded seven catches for 90 yards. Following this impressive showing, Buckley was awarded a scholarship. He is currently one of 78 players nationwide in contention for the Burlsworth Trophy, which will be awarded in Bentonville, Arkansas, on December 9.
Overall, the New Mexico Lobos are demonstrating competitive spirit and resilience across all sports. While there have been challenges, there have also been notable achievements that underscore the strength of their athletic programs and the determination of their athletes. As they move forward in their respective seasons, all eyes will be on the Lobos as they aim for success both on the court and the field.
