Sports Briefs

Softball

Lisa-Ann Wallace joined the UNM softball team Thursday as an assistant coach.

Before coming to UNM, Wallace served 13 years as the head coach at Bryant University, a Division II team that Wallace guided into the Division I ranks in 2008.

“Lisa-Ann brings a wealth of knowledge to this program,” said UNM Softball Coach Erica Beach. “She’s a high-energy coach who brings great intensity to the coaching staff.”

Cross Country

Coaches in the Mountain West Conference picked the UNM men’s and women’s cross country teams to win their respective conference titles in preseason polls released Thursday.

The Lobo men earned seven of eight first-place votes and are selected ahead of Air Force, Boise State, Colorado State, Utah State, Wyoming, Fresno State and San Jose State. The Falcons took the sole remaining first-place vote in the men’s poll.

UNM’s women were given 10 of 11 first-place votes to place them ahead of Boise State, Colorado State, Air Force, Utah State, Wyoming, Nevada, Fresno State, UNLV, San Diego State and San Jose State, respectively. Colorado State took one first-place vote in the women’s poll.

Men’s soccer

Freshman Niko Hansen scored a second-half goal to lead New Mexico to a 1-0 win over Denver University in the Lobos’ final exhibition game Saturday.

Hansen scored the unassisted goal from 10 yards out at the 78-minute mark.

Senior goalie Michael Lisch made six saves, playing through the entire match to record his first shutout.

Women’s basketball

The UNM women’s basketball team recruited former player Jourdan Erskine to be its video coordinator.

Erskine replaces Amy Beggin, who was promoted to director of operations after Dave Shoemate’s retirement. Erskine played in 102 games for UNM.

“I’m excited for the opportunity coach (Yvonne) Sanchez has given me to join her staff,” Erskine said. “I can’t wait to be back in basketball in my new role. I am most excited to be part of the Lobo family again. I feel like I grew up in it, and now I’m a permanent part of it.”