Lobos in Sixth after First Day of Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The New Mexico women’s golf team began the 2023-24 season on Monday with the first two rounds of the Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational, its lone home tournament of the year at the UNM Championship Course. The Lobos shot 9-over during the first 36 holes to end the day tied for sixth place in the 16-team field.

Pepperdine leads the tournament after 36 holes at 14-under, while Arizona State (3-under) is the only other team under par. UNLV is third at 1-over, followed by Ohio State (5-over), Cal (6-over) and the Lobos and Kent State (9-over).

“The course played difficult in the morning and the team held their own,” said head coach Jill Trujillo. “After the afternoon weather delay, the greens softened up and we were hitting it close but the birdies weren’t falling. We’re still in good position to move up though. Everyone fought hard and Lauren is playing tough. She made a lot of putts and is so steady.”

Lauren Lehigh led UNM on Monday, shooting rounds of 69 and 68. Her 7-under score is T-2nd on the individual leaderboard, as she enters the final round one shot off the lead. Maria Caparros Levin is at 4-over through 36 holes after rounds of 72 and 76. Lisa-Marie Pagliano is at 5-over, Myah McDonald is at 8-over and Annie Saechueng is at 13-over to round out the lineup.

The Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational will conclude on Tuesday at the UNM Championship Course. Action begins 7:30 a.m. with a shotgun start. Admission is free.