ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The New Mexico women’s golf team began its 2026-27 season with a third-place finish at the Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational, its home event at the UNM Championship Course. The Lobos finished the event at 3-under to open the year with a top-three finish.
UNLV won the title with a 10-under title, one shot ahead of Pepperdine at 9-under. The Lobos finished third at 3-under as only three teams in the 13-team field finished under par. Montana State (11-over) and Cal State Fullerton (23-over) rounded out the top five.
The Lobos had three players finish in the top 10 individually. Ava Cepeda and Ausanee Udkamtiang tied for third place, both finishing at 4-under. Ciara Rushmer had her best collegiate finish, shooting even par to finish T-10th. Chelsea Truong finished at 5-over and Julia Gelma rounded out the lineup at 16-over. Four Lobos played the event as individuals, led by Sara Montejo Rey at 6-over.
“It had been a while since we had an under-par tournament, so that’s a huge bright spot for us,” said head coach Jill Trujillo. “We need to learn now how to bring it home. We made too many bogeys today down the stretch. All in all, we are proud of them. Having three in the top 10 is a great way to set the foundation to the start of the year.”
The Lobos return to action with the Red Raider Invitational, held Sept. 22-23 in Lubbock, Texas.
Lobos Open Season with Third Place at Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational
