Western New Mexico University’s women’s basketball team lost its Lone Star Conference opener to St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, with a final score of 79-67. The Mustangs now have an overall record of 0-7 and are 0-1 in conference play, while the Rattlers remain undefeated at 6-0 overall and 1-0 in the Lone Star Conference.
The game began with Western New Mexico taking an early lead after Tess Taylor scored a three-pointer assisted by Naomi Kimble. Jordan Sapien contributed with multiple scores, including a layup and free throw that gave the Mustangs a brief advantage. However, St. Mary’s closed the first quarter ahead, 20-18, following a last-second three-pointer by Aina Maynou.
In the second quarter, Western New Mexico extended its lead to 25-20 after a free throw from Teeya Gordon but turnovers allowed St. Mary’s to tie the game at 31-31 late in the period. The teams were tied at 16 points each for the quarter, with St. Mary’s holding a slight edge going into halftime.
During the third quarter, Sapien hit another three-pointer to give Western New Mexico a one-point lead early on. Yvanna Villarreal kept the Mustangs close with her own three-pointer later in the quarter. Despite these efforts, turnovers allowed St. Mary’s to pull ahead and maintain their advantage through to the end of the period.
In the fourth quarter, Western New Mexico attempted to narrow the gap with key plays from Gordon in the paint but could not overcome St. Mary’s timely scoring runs. Brooke Kleinig hit a decisive three-pointer for St. Mary’s late in the game, helping secure their win.
Sapien led Western New Mexico with 23 points on eight-of-fourteen shooting and recorded six assists. Villarreal added eleven points and five rebounds while Nadia Randall scored seven points without missing a shot from the field.
For St. Mary’s, Maynou led with thirteen points on perfect shooting and added three steals; Christin Callens scored fourteen points and grabbed six rebounds; Raynne Malik contributed defensively with four blocks and three steals; Lena Newby added twelve points and four offensive rebounds; Andrea Montesinos had five assists.
Western New Mexico will play its next game against St. Edward's University on Saturday, December 6th in Austin, Texas.
“Western New Mexico University is a member of NCAA Division II and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (X, TikTok & Instagram).”
