ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico women’s golf team is only a few days away from starting their 2017-18 season and the team has accepted the challenge of making this year more than just memorable, but impactful.
“They’re working really hard and shaking the rust off a bit but it’s looking pretty good,” mentioned head coach Jill Trujillo.
In May, the program had to say goodbye to a strong senior class including Manon Mollé who claimed a Mountain West Conference Championship title in 2015 and finished tied for 4th in 2017. Among that same class, they lost some very capable leaders who were not only strong on the course but even more in the classroom. However, this year the team has two seniors, Ingrid Gutierrez and Alexandra Moisand who are ready for any challenge that comes their way.
“Ingrid and Alex are good communicators and their goal is to go out with a good finish,” said Trujillo. “They are just ready.”
There are some fresh new faces on the roster this year including incoming freshman and Swedish sensation Caroline Jansson, the sophomore transfer Reva Morris and red-shirt freshman Zoey Akagi-Bustin.
“Zoey was with us all last year as a redshirt due to surgery on her wrist so she knows how we do things on the course,” said Trujillo. “Caroline and Reva are getting used to our course, the city, our elevation and competitions.”
Morris is coming to the team from a smaller conference and is excited to play for the Lobos against some of the top teams in the nation. Her first taste of that steep competition this next week at the annual Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational.
Heading into the first tournament of the season Trujillo feels confident in the team that they’ll have a strong showing not only because it’s their home tournament, but because they are prepared.
“Over the summer, we’ve had some that played in quite a lot of competitions and some that didn’t, but with all things considered, I am pleased,” quoted Trujillo.
The Lobos kick off their season at the annual Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational on Sept. 11 at 7:30 a.m. at the UNM Championship Golf Course in Albuquerque, N.M.
Women’s Golf Plan for an Impactful 2017-18 Season
