RENO, Nev. — The University of New Mexico women’s soccer team bounced back in a big way from a tough loss Sunday by getting goals from Jessie Hix and Claire Lynch in a 2-0 victory over Nevada on Friday night at Mackay Stadium.
The Lobos (6-5-2 overall, 2-3-0 Mountain West), who were coming off their worst loss of the season – 3-0 to Fresno State on Sunday in Fresno, put together a strong defensive effort as Tayler Hammack tallied her fourth shutout of the season and blanked the Wolf Pack (4-8-0, 1-4-0).
“We are working really hard at being resilient and finding ways to win games,” UNM coach Heather Dyche said. “Our energy and effort were excellent tonight and I felt that’s what led to the win.”
The Lobos got on the board late in the first half when a throw in by Alexa Cabrales led to a Jessie Hix goal in the 40th minute to make it 1-0. It’s Hix’s second goal and Cabrales’ third assist of the season.
The Lobos picked up insurance in the second half when the Wolf Pack were whistled for a foul in the penalty area. Claire Lynch converted the penalty kick for her team-high seventh goal of the season to give New Mexico a 2-0 lead it wouldn’t relinquish.
The Lobos outshot Nevada 20-12, including 12-5 in shots on goal. This includes New Mexico ripping off 15 shots in the second half.
Quincy Slora and Maddie Irwin paced the Lobos with four shots apiece while Lynch finished with three and Katie Hinman, Annie Wheeler and Hix each had two.
Hammack had five saves in her shutout.
The Lobos complete their swing through Nevada on Sunday when they take on UNLV at 2 p.m.
Notes: Lynch’s goal was the 16th of her career, keeping her in fifth place all-time in Lobo history and putting her one goal behind Lana Melendres for fourth. … All three of Cabrales’ assists this season have come via a throw in. … New Mexico has won six straight against Nevada and haven’t lost to the Wolf Pack since they joined the Mountain West in 2012. … The Lobos are now 6-1-1 overall against Nevada.
Lobos get goals from Lynch, Hix; blank Nevada
