New Mexico in Sixth After First Day of Jim West Challenge

SAN MARCOS, Texas – The New Mexico women’s golf team opened play Sunday at the Jim West Challenge, with the opening two rounds of its final event of the fall. The Lobos shot 9-under during the opening 36 holes at Kissing Tree Golf Club to sit in sixth place with one round to play.

New Mexico shot 8-under during the morning’s first round before shooting 1-under in the afternoon to finish at 9-under. Houston, SMU and host Texas State share the 36-hole lead, each at 15-under. UNLV and Texas Tech are tied for fourth at 13-under.

Lauren Lehigh led the Lobos on Sunday, posting rounds of 66 and 69 to enter the final round T-2nd on the individual leaderboard, one shot of the lead. Lisa-Marie Pagliano had a first-round 67, her best round of her collegiate career, and is at 2-under through 36 holes. Myah McDonald is at 1-under after rounds of 74 and 69, while Maria Caparros Levin is at 5-over and Ciara Rushmer is at 10-over.

“Our team really brought it during the first round and finished well,” said head coach Jill Trujillo. “The wind kicked up quite a bit in the second round and we didn’t make as many birdies. Lauren had two steady rounds and shot her best 36 holes to date. Lili had her best round with a 67. Everyone contributed to our performance today.”

The Jim West Challenge will conclude on Monday with the final round at Kissing Tree Golf Club.