SANTA ANA PUEBLO, N.M. – The New Mexico women’s golf team concluded play at the NB3 Matchplay at Twin Warriors Wednesday with a 3-2 victory over rival New Mexico State.
The Lobos finished third overall at the event with four points, same as New Mexico State. Arizona won the title with 12 points, while Texas A&M was runner-up with nine points.
In Wednesday’s win over the Aggies, UNM got a 3&2 victory from freshman Ava Cepeda, her second win of the week. Maria Caparros Levin used six birdies on the back nine to turn a 3-down deficit into a 1-up victory for the Lobos’ second point. UNM earned two half-points to clinch the victory, as Chelsea Truong and Rebecca Galasso each tied their respective matches.
“I am so proud of how we played today and battled today,” said head coach Jill Trujillo. “Ava played solid all day and was in control of her match. Maria battled the whole day. She was playing one of the best collegiate players in the country and didn’t give up when she was down three. She made six birdies on the back to come back and get the win. The putt she made on 17 and the chip she made on 18 were great. It’s always fun to play New Mexico State. It’s a rivalry, but it’s a golf rivalry. Match play is so unique because it brings out your fight. You aren’t playing the golf course, you are playing your opponent. And in team match play, it’s that much more exciting because you want to win for your team, not just yourself.”
The Lobos conclude their fall schedule Oct. 19-20 with the Jim West Challenge in San Marcos, Texas.
NEW MEXICO 3, NEW MEXICO STATE 2
Maria Caparros Levin (UNM) def. Emma Bunch (NMSU) 1UP
Chelsea Truong (NMSU) vs. Emma Thompson (NMSU) halved
Rebecca Galasso (UNM) vs. Rylee Salome (NMSU) halved
Alexandria Armendariz (NMSU) def. Ciara Rushmer (UNM) 4&3
Ava Cepeda (UNM) vs. Isa Laulhe (NMSU) 3&2
Lobos Earn Rivalry Win Over New Mexico State to Cap NB3 Matchplay
