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Sports

UNM earns a decisive 33-14 win over Utah State

Rodney Prunty | October 27

A familiar face returned to the University Stadium sidelines on Saturday, Oct. 26, when the University of New Mexico Lobos football team took on the Utah State University Aggies. This face was none other than former Lobo Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall, who was hired in December 2023, but after just one season with the Lobos he left and headed to Logan, Utah, to become the head coach of the Aggies. Mendenhall’s departure left a bad taste in fans’ mouths, leading to this game being one of the most anticipated for the Lobos this year. The Lobos came in laser-focused and did not disappoint as they picked apart Utah State, sending Mendenhall’s Aggies back to Utah with a 33-14 loss, and fans home with the sweet feeling of revenge.

Sports

UNM opens study to modernize University Stadium

Wyatt S. Padilla | October 27

The University of New Mexico announced on Oct. 2 that it would be opening a Feasibility and Development Plan Study, which is expected to aid in developing the South Campus area, as well as bringing on a strategy to modernize University Stadium. The announcement comes on the heels of UNM selling out University Stadium for their win over the New Mexico State Aggies on Sept. 27. The stadium originally opened in 1960, and recent upgrades have included a new video board and a currently under construction team room.This new study hopes to provide the University with the means to assess University Stadium from a structural standpoint to help determine the condition of the property as a whole, along with construction estimates and renderings for the University to have phasing options for the improvements.

Opinion

OPINION: Bobbleheads of the week: MLB Postseason

Marley Herndon | October 24

Where there are winners, there are losers; however, not all losers are created equal, as some teams feature players who single-handedly cost them the game. These players are favorably called bobbleheads. During last year’s World Series, sportscaster Joe Davis said, “You deliver this time of year, you can rewrite your whole story, as long as you’ve got the bat in your hands,” a statement which rings as true as its opposite. You can just as easily rewrite that story by not delivering this time of year, as long as you’ve got the bat or ball in your hands. Since it’s once again that time of year, as the World Series is set to be a showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays — with game one on Friday, Oct. 24 — there’s no better time to highlight the bobbleheads who got us here.

Sports

New Mexico United Draws against Oakland Roots SC

John P. Hefti | October 23

On Sunday, Oct. 19, New Mexico United faced off against the Oakland Roots at Isotopes Park, with a nail-biter of a match ending in a 3-3 draw. The most notable highlight from Sunday’s matchup included a solid defensive performance from goalkeeper Kris Shakes, who tallied a total of five saves. The Black and Yellow struck first and early, with forward Mukwelle Akale sneaking one past at the 12-minute mark. Oakland would retaliate a mere three minutes later, with forward Peter Wilson scoring, knotting it up at 1-1. At the 19-minute mark, United would regain the lead, aided by an own-goal from Roots defender Neveal Hackshaw, followed by a missile of a penalty kick from defender Talen Maples.

Sports

Lobo soccer draws with Utah State, lose to Boise

Wyatt S. Padilla | October 20

The University of New Mexico women’s soccer team had a tough week, with games against the Utah State University Aggies and the Boise State University Broncos. The Lobos faced the Aggies at home on Thursday, Oct. 16, with the game ultimately ending in a draw, securing a point in the Mountain West standings against the team selected as the preseason Mountain West favorite to win the conference title. The Lobos then lost their undefeated streak in conference play against the Broncos on Sunday, Oct. 19, with a home loss of 2-1.

Sports

Lobos hold off Nevada for homecoming game; send Wolf Pack packing without a dance

Alex Joe | October 20

The University of New Mexico Lobos returned to University Stadium for their homecoming game against the University of Nevada Wolf Pack, after back to back losses to conference opponents on the road. This time, the Lobos narrowly snatched victory from the Wolf Pack, winning 24-22 on Saturday, Oct. 18. The Lobos started hot out of the gate scoring their first opening drive points of the season, with a 16-play, 75-yard drive in the first quarter and ended with a two-yard touchdown by running back D.J. Mckinney, giving the Lobos an early 7-0 lead.

Opinion

OPINION: Bobbleheads of the week: NFL week 6 edition

Marley Herndon | October 15

Where there are winners, there are losers; however, not all losers are created equal, as some teams feature players who single-handedly cost them the game. These players are favorably called bobbleheads. “You win some, you lose some” is a phrase you’ve probably heard at least a few times in your life. It's also something these players in the NFL probably had to hear from their coaches after their dismal performances in week six of the NFL season. Here are the guys whose play this week earned them the title of bobblehead.

Sports

New Mexico United draws with Orange County SC in Oktoberfest thriller

Alex Joe | October 13

New Mexico United clinched a playoff berth last week versus Phoenix Rising FC and welcomed the Orange County SC on Saturday, Oct. 11. United had a chance to clinch a home game in the playoffs with a win, and an El Paso loss, but it did not go as planned. Despite a 2-1 lead in the first half, United allowed two unanswered goals, which ultimately led to the game ending in a 3-3 tie.

Sports

Broncos drive Lobos out of Boise

Wyatt S. Padilla | October 13

The Blue proved to be too much for the University of New Mexico Lobos as the Boise State University Broncos bucked UNM back to Albuquerque with a 41-25 loss. This marked the third loss of the season, and second conference loss in a row for the Lobos. Lobo Head Coach Jason Eck’s squad was outsized and overmatched as the Broncos were able to bully their way to a victory after shaking the Lobos off their backs. The night started rough for the Lobos, as the fewest penalized team in the Mountain West committed the first penalty of the game – a delay of the game – which pushed the Lobos back before the ball was even snapped. UNM Quarterback Jack Layne then fumbled the ball on the Lobos' 18, which then resulted in a field goal by the Broncos.

Sports

Lobos shut down Antelopes 4-1

Wyatt S. Padilla | October 13

Delayed by lightning strikes, the University of New Mexico women’s soccer team experienced technical difficulties in their match against the Grand Canyon University Antelopes, but ultimately defied Zeus’ wrath, securing a 4-1 victory. Though the game was delayed, and both teams were challenged to remain ready and warm for some late-night Mountain West play on Thursday, Oct. 9, the Lobos broke out of the game ready to compete. The Lobos immediately defined the game and took control in the first half of play, earning four shots on the goal, compared to one by the Lopes by the 19 minute mark. The aggressiveness paid off for the Lobos, as defensive midfielder Kennedy Brown scored the first goal of the night on an assist from forward Mercedes Morris.

Sports

Lobo volleyball show resilience in loss to Wyoming

Austin Bishop | October 6

The Lobos, still finding their rhythm after some difficult conference matchups, were outmatched in a 3-1 loss. In a match charged with energy from the first serve, the University of New Mexico women’s volleyball team met the University of Wyoming Cowgirls on Saturday, Oct. 4. Set one started off strong for the Lobos with setter Madeleine Miller earning the Lobos an ace for the first point. The Lobos went on a five point run from there, setting an early, hopeful tone. Leading the offensive push, setter Addison France totaled four kills in the first set, forcing the Cowgirls to adjust to her attacks. The Lobos surged in the beginning of the first set, but as it progressed, the Cowgirls matched UNM’s energy, turning the set into a back and forth rally. Even with Wyoming pushing back, the Lobos refused to give up the advantage, staying in the lead the whole frame. The first set closed out with the Lobos winning 25-19.

Sports

Lobos’ comeback falls short against San José State

Marley Herndon | October 6

The University of New Mexico Lobos football team walked into San José looking to improve on their 3-1 start, but instead returned with a second loss. Despite a late comeback effort, they were unable to overcome an early deficit as they fell to the San José State University Spartans 35-28. Coming off a rousing win against their rival, the New Mexico State University Aggies, the Lobos defense came out looking sluggish as they allowed a five-minute and 50-second opening drive that was capped off by Spartans’ freshman Steve Chavez-Soto’s first college touchdown.

Sports

Lobos Basketball howls again in first event of the preseason

Alex Joe | October 6

The University of New Mexico Lobo Men and Women’s basketball teams returned to The Pit for their opening event of the preseason: The Lobo Howl — the first time in seven years the event has been held. The Howl introduced fans to the new men’s basketball Head Coach Eric Olen, along with the entirely new team he assembled. Fans also met the head coach of the women’s team, Mike Bradbury, and his team of seven new faces and six returners. “It’s a great opportunity to engage with fans, and let them see our players for a little bit. Obviously, we don’t start for another month, but it’s cool to get a little taste of it here in early October,” Olen said.

Opinion

OPINION: Bobbleheads of the week: NFL week 3 edition

Simon Reseigh | September 30

The NFL season is in full swing, and teams are looking to build momentum for the long grind that lies ahead. Where there are winners, there are losers. But not all losers are created equal, as some teams feature players who single-handedly cost them the game. These players are favorably called bobbleheads. Here are the bobbleheads from the NFL’s week three that helped stall any momentum their teams built from the first two weeks.

Sports

Lobos stomp Aggies in front of 37,000

Esmeralda Lozano | September 29

The University of New Mexico Lobo Football team showed out in front of their largest crowd since 2007, a sellout of 37,440 people, and dominated their rival, the New Mexico State University Aggies, sealing a 38–20 home victory. Lobo Head Coach Jason Eck fed into the moment with his trademark intensity. After one play where a false-start penalty was called on NMSU, Eck turned toward the crowd and credited the fans for their impact. “I want (the crowd) to know they have an impact on the game by making a lot of noise causing that guy to jump offsides,” Eck said.

Sports

Lobos Men’s Golf freshman wins individual title

Alex Joe | September 22

The University of New Mexico Men’s Golf Team hosted the 70th William H. Tucker Invitational at The UNM Championship Course on Friday, Sept. 19, and Saturday, Sept. 20, for the lone home event of the season. The Lobos started strong at 18 under par, entering day two with a three-stroke lead, but after a slow start and some missed shots, the Lobos hit an even par in round three, finishing in second place behind Long Beach State, who finished -23.

Sports

Culture and Curveballs: Michael Lopez reflects on his roots

Marley Herndon | September 22

University of New Mexico Baseball Associate Head Coach Michael Lopez is not ashamed of his heritage. Like his father before him, he was raised with the phrase, “don’t let them call you a lazy Mexican,” Lopez said. Lopez gives the phrase partial credit for growing up in a household where hard work and discipline were preached. No one would dare call Lopez that today, as he has steadily improved the Lobo’s pitching staff since entering the picture in July. Earned run average, walks and hits per innings pitched and walks per nine innings are all down as Lobo baseball trends in the right direction.

Sports

Lobo football to take on the Aggies for 115th time

Wyatt S. Padilla | September 22

New Mexicans will soon look to University Stadium once again to decide who reigns supreme in the state’s football: the Lobos or the Aggies. On Saturday, Sept. 27, the University of New Mexico Lobos and their rivals, The New Mexico State University Aggies, will be battling it out for the 115th time in their long-rivaled history. Over time, the Lobos have claimed 74 of the wins, while the Aggies have claimed only 35 — with five ties between the teams — but over the last decade, the rivalry has been nearly split, with the Lobos barely passing the Aggies 5-4.

Sports

UNM Volleyball drops the ball against Aggies, ending win streak

Wyatt S. Padilla | September 22

It’s Rivalry Week across NCAA Volleyball, and the Battle of I-25 was on full display as New Mexico’s two division one universities competed till the end. The University of New Mexico Lobos ultimately were bested by their Rio Grande rival, the New Mexico State Aggies, on Wednesday, Sept. 17. This NMSU victory marks a snap in a three-game win streak in the rivalry for the Lobos Head Coach Jon Newman-Gonchar’s volleyball team. Both squads fought till the end, as the match went five sets. The first set was won by the Aggies 25-18, the second and third going to the Lobos, 25-23 and 25-18 respectively, before things swung back in favor of the Aggies, who took the fourth set 25-23 and fifth 15-7.

Sports

UNM Volleyball takes home win against NMSU

Marina Olmstead | September 19

The University of New Mexico Women’s Volleyball team had a rivalry match with the New Mexico State University Aggies on Tuesday, Sept. 16. NMSU came with fire, but UNM was not going to let go of their winning ways. NMSU came for blood in the first set of the match, with the score being tugged back and forth between the two teams. With outside hitter Uliana Yastrub bringing in UNM’s first kill, the score quickly turned in favor of the Lobos. The first break was called with a score of 15-11 with the Lobos on top. Only seconds back into the game, middle blocker Zoe Leonard slammed down NMSU’s attempt at a point. A timeout was called by NMSU, as they were hurting from a 23-17 score. NMSU brought back the heat, creeping up on the Lobos, but the first set ended in triumph for UNM as they secured it 25-21.