Garcia Leads Lobos on Opening Day of Jim West Challenge

SAN MARCOS, Texas – The New Mexico women’s golf team began play Sunday at the Jim West Challenge with the first two rounds at Kissing Tree Golf Club. The Lobos shot 4-over the opening 36 holes and are in eighth place with one round to play.

Houston and TCU share the 36-hole lead, each at 14-under through two rounds. Oklahoma is third at 11-under, while Ohio State and UNLV are tied for fourth at 5-under.

The Lobos shot even par in the first round before a 4-over second round. Freshman Maria Garcia had another strong day, shooting a 4-under 68 in the morning before a 1-under 71 in the afternoon. At 5-under through two rounds, she is T-4th on the individual leaderboard. Fellow freshman Chelsea Truong is at even par after rounds of 71 and 73. Annie Saechueng is at 2-over, Maria Caparros Levin is at 7-over and Rebecca Galasso rounded out the lineup at 12-over.

“We had too many small mistakes today that cost us,” said head coach Jill Trujillo. “Tomorrow our wedge game and our shots around the greens need to be better for us to move up the leaderboard. There are birdies out there.”

The tournament will conclude Monday at Kissing Tree Golf Club.