Lobos in 10th after First Day of Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The New Mexico women’s golf team began the 2024-25 season on Monday with the first two rounds of the Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational, presented by Margaret Moses Branch and Annette Arrigoni, its lone home tournament of the year at the UNM Championship Course. The Lobos shot 21-over during the first 36 holes to end the day in 10th place among the 15-team field.

UNLV is the 36-hole leader at even par through two rounds of play. Cal State Fullerton and Long Beach State are tied for second at 7-over, while Grand Canyon (8-over) and Pepperdine (9-over) round out the top five.

The Lobos were led on Monday by freshman Maria Garcia, who shined in her collegiate debut. She posted a 3-under 69 in the morning before an even par 72 in the afternoon to sit in fourth place at 3-under, three shots off the lead. UNM had two players competing as individuals have a strong opening day of the season, with Lisa-Marie Pagliano T-7th at 1-under and Annie Saechueng T-15th at 3-over. Maria Caparros Levin is at 4-over through two rounds, while Ciara Rushmer (7-over), Rebecca Galasso (15-over) and Chelsea Truong (15-over) rounded out the Lobo lineup.

“It is sometimes not easy to have your first tournament of the year be your home tournament,” said head coach Jill Trujillo. “We had a great performance by our freshman, Maria Garcia, who was steady all day. She tired toward the end, but she made a lot of putts and did some incredible things out there. Lisa-Marie brought it today and was super proud of her performance today. Annie was steady too. We had some good first rounds and some good second rounds from our team, but tomorrow we all have to come together and shoot some low rounds, not just here and there.”

The tournament will conclude Tuesday with the final round at the UNM Championship Course. Play begins at 7:30 a.m. with a shotgun start and admission is free.