When it came to selecting a program with the best chance of ruling Mountain West women's soccer this year, the preseason favorite remains University of New Mexico.

Head coach Heather Dyche and her players consider the prediction music to their ears but also understand that it’s all about what takes place on the pitch.

“It’s a great honor for the girls and they are excited about it,” Dyche said in a press release issued by UNM on Aug. 11. “But you still have to go out and work hard and prove everything on the field.”

The top ranking in the 2021 preseason poll came four months after the Lobos captured the Mountain West crown on the strength of a 11-2-1 campaign and a league-best prolific attack – UNM was first in in shots (204), goals (31), assists (25) and points (87) and shutouts (4), the release said.

UNM won an overtime thriller over San Diego State 3-2 in the Mountain West championship game last April.

The Lobos enter the new year minus their top two scorers in Alesia Garcia and Gwen Maly but still maintain a potent attack.

On the defensive side, goalkeepers Emily Johnson and Malia Vanisi return after a season in which they surrendered three regular-season goals.

The 2021 regular season begins with a match against UC Davis in Las Vegas on Aug. 19.