Durango, CO – Western New Mexico University women's basketball opens their season this weekend at the conference challenge. Whalen Gymnasium on the campus of Fort Lewis College will host both the men's and women's conference challenge between schools from the Rocky Mountain Athletic and Lone Star Conferences.
A LOOK BACK:
Last season saw the Mustangs go 10-17 overall, marking the first time since 2016 that the WNMU women's basketball team reached double digit wins. It was also a first for Head Coach Lauren Unger who hopes to build on last season's record, and earn an outright spot in the post season.
At this tournament last season, WNMU got their season off to a hot start going 2-0, including an overtime win over Fort Lewis, 70-68. They followed up with 50-34 win over New Mexico Highlands to avenge their loss to the Cowgirls in 2017 on Drag's Court.
Nine players from last year's squad return, along with six new faces that will suit up in Mustang purple this season. The team will look to replace leading scorer Ciara Fields (El Paso, TX/El Dorado), along with key defender Tatyana McFarland (Riverside, California/Valley View High School) due to graduation.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS:
FORT LEWIS SKYHAWKS (0-0)
Friday marks the season opener for the Skyhawks and a fresh start. FLC finished the 2018 season 13-15 overall, and 9-13 in conference play.
In his first season as head coach Orlando Griego took over the reigns of the women's basketball program just a few months ago, after former head coach Jason Flores was promoted to the administrative staff.
Three out of the team's top leading scorers return to the floor for the Skyhawks. Kayla Herrara-Flores looks to close out her career after averaging 10.7 ppg last season. Fellow upperclassmen Sydney Candelaria and Jordan Carter also pose offensive threats as part of the scoring trio from a year ago.
Picked to finish 11^th in their respective preseason poll, the Skyhawks finished 2018-19 averaging 65.7 points while holding opponents to 60.5 points at the top half of the conference in defense.
Between the teams, FLC holds a 19-2 overall series lead over WNMU. Last season's overtime thriller marked only the second win for WNMU, the first coming back in 2013-14.

NEW MEXICO HIGHLANDS (1-0)
The Cowgirls enter Saturday's matchup, already having a game and a win under their belt. Coming off a 71-63 win over Northern New Mexico earlier this week. Led by freshman Maiah Rivas who knocked down 17-points behind four three pointers, two rebounds, three assists, and three steals in her collegiate debut.
Last season the Cowgirls went 4-24, 3-19 in conference play. Leading scorer Jordyn Lewis returns after averaging 14.5 ppg last season,
Saturday will determine who takes the lead with the series tied at 9-9.