Open Announce

Lobos host CSU-Pueblo in exhibition Tuesday night

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Fans will get their first glimpse of the 2017 University of New Mexico women’s soccer team – and can do so for free – when the Lobos host Colorado State University-Pueblo in an exhibition match 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at UNM Soccer Complex.
 
It will be a great opportunity to see the Lobos the same week they begin the regular season. UNM opens the 2017 campaign 7:30 p.m. Friday against San Francisco during the second game of the Lobo Invitational at UNM Soccer Complex (Texas Tech and Grand Canyon face each other at 4 p.m.). UNM closes out the Lobo Invitational 10:30 a.m. Sunday against Grand Canyon while Texas Tech takes on San Francisco at 1 p.m.
 
The Lobos are coming off a 9-7-1 campaign in coach Heather Dyche’s second year at the helm last season and have a solid mix of returning players (including six starters) and newcomers to this season’s roster – including a NCAA-high 15 incoming freshmen.
 
The Lobos’ back line will return a pair of long-time starters in senior center backs Emily Chavez (two assists) and Ashley Ballantyne along with fellow senior defender Alexa Cabrales (who led the team with six assists). UNM returns its top scorer from a season ago in senior Claire Lynch (eight goals – tied for fifth in the Mountain West) while Jennifer Munoz (two goals, one assist) will also be returning to the Lobos’ midfield. A pair of sophomores who came off the bench, but saw plenty of playing time as freshmen, return in midfielder Jessie Hix (two goals) and forward Gwen Maly (two goals).

UNM’s Tuesday exhibition opponent CSU-Pueblo is coming off a 14-5-1 season in 2016, including making its first ever appearance at the NCAA Division II Tournament.
 
The Lobo Invitational at the end of the week will be the last time the Lobos play at home until they host Houston on Sept. 15.
 
With the season coming up, now is also a great time to purchase the New Mexico Mutual Lobo Pride Pass. For $50, see every regular season home game for women’s and men’s soccer, volleyball, track and field, softball and baseball (more than 80 events). To purchase, go to the Lobo Ticket Office (located at the northeast corner of Dreamstyle Arena) from Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., call 505-925-LOBO (1620) or visit unmtickets.com to purchase online.