COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The University of New Mexico women’s soccer team had four players selected to All-Mountain West teams when the conference announced the awards Monday afternoon.
UNM sophomore Jessie Hix was named to the All-Mountain West First Team while seniors Claire Lynch and Emily Chavez were named to the All-Mountain West Second Team. Junior and Arizona transfer Jessica Nelson was named to the All-Mountain West Newcomer Team for the Lobos.
Hix is the first UNM midfielder to earn first-team conference honors since Rachel Montoya in 2012 and is the third Lobo overall to earn first-team recognition in the last six seasons (Madisyn Olguin was named first team as a forward in 2015). The Albuquerque native earned her first all-conference honor by being a dominant force as the Lobos’ holding midfielder while also scoring three goals in Mountain West play (she scored six overall this season thus far – all coming via headers).
Lynch earned her first all-conference honor after scoring eight of her 10 goals this season during Mountain West play (including a goal in seven of her final nine conference games). The Albuquerque native’s eight goals in conference play was third in the conference as was her 17 points. Lynch’s 10 goals are tied for sixth on the UNM single-season list and her 27 career goals are third place in Lobo history.
Chavez, another Albuquerque native, earned all-conference honors after leading the Lobos’ backline at center back and never missed a minute of action in conference while continuing what is now a 75-match starting streak (she hasn’t missed a Mountain West game in her four years as a Lobo). Chavez had a goal and assist for UNM this season during conference play (she finished with two goals overall) and played a key role on free kicks near midfield – setting up numerous Lobo scoring opportunities. This is her second all-conference honor as she was selected All-Mountain West Second Team in 2014.
Nelson earned a spot on the Mountain West All-Newcomer Team by scoring two goals and adding an assist during conference action as an outside back for the Lobos. She’s well known for her flip throw in that often gave UNM scoring opportunities from the sideline – a dangerous weapon many teams don’t have.
UNM (12-7 overall) opens Mountain West Tournament play 8 p.m. (MT) Tuesday as the No. 4 seed against No. 5 Fresno State in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Four Lobos earn All-Mountain West honors
