Editor's note: A previous version of this article incorrectly said the Lobo's beat the Huskies 5 - 0. The score was 6 -0 and the article has been corrected.
As the fall season for UNM Athletics approaches, the women’s soccer team is preparing to take on their long-time rivals, the Texas Tech Red Raiders. After losing to Tech nearly a year ago, the team is ready for redemption against the Lubbock team.
Saturday kicked off exhibition play for the Lobos as they took on Colorado School of Mines. The match gave the team a chance to get exposure to another team after two weeks of scrimmaging in practice.
UNM kept the energy high throughout the match, pushing their defensive limits and keeping the ball away from the goal. Lobo forward Leilani Baker stole the show, assisting in Cami Floth’s first goal and kicking in the last goal of the match.
In a 1-0 game, the Lobos stayed ahead of the Burrows as redshirt junior, Gwen Maly, found the back of the net in the 57th minute, putting UNM at two-goal. The Lobo team averaged a higher number of shots, shots on the goal, corner kicks and assists.
As the end of a taxing game for Colorado drew near, the Lobos didn’t let up the heat. Baker took a long service ball and pushed the ball past Colorado’s goal keeper. UNM finished the exhibition 3-0.
At Tuesday’s practice, Lobo senior Jessica Hix, told the Daily Lobo that defense and teamwork are high on the list of what needs work for the upcoming season.
“There’s been a lot of new players coming in, so it’s been about getting tactics down before we start so we can be ready to play teams like Texas Tech,” said Hix.
Texas Tech went an impressive 14-5-3 and broke the top 25 rankings shortly after its 2-0 victory over the Lobos last season. But with a seasoned team of juniors and seniors, UNM is anxious to get on the field against Tech and claim victory.
The Lobos finished their exhibition play Wednesday night against Colorado State Pueblo. The Lobos went into the match with conference level energy and showed up the Huskies by five points, ending the match 6 - 0, Lobos.
The team’s first regular game of the season against Texas Tech is at home on Sunday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m.
Alanie Rael is Co-Sports Editor and a reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be contacted at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @AllyRael.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
