Box Score Odessa, TX – The Mustangs opened up their season at Falcon Dome, playing against UTPB. The Falcons took down the Mustangs 72-59, despite the Mustangs shooting 43% beyond the arc.

Head Coach Josh Pace coached his first collegiate game as a head coach. "My job isn't just to coach them, its support them and keep them accountable" said Pace.

Coming off the bench, Cynaye Bobbitt (Killeen, TX/Harker Heights HS) had 18 points, going 6-7 at the three point line. Bobbitt knocked down four 3PT shots in the fourth quarter, cutting the lead to 12 by the end of the game. Kaela Chavez (Las Cruces, NM/Centennial HS) also had the hot hand in the first half, scoring all her 11 points in the first half.

"Cynaye is very talented as a freshman and will continue to learn and develop. She is a capable shooter and defender" said Pace.

The Mustangs started off the 7-0 run. Turnovers were the kryptonite for WNMU with 32. At the end of the first quarter, Falcons took the lead and didn't look back, 23-14.

With the limitations of practice and the challenges that the girls had to overcome, held their own. "We played hard and competed...we just have to limit turnovers" explains Pace.

Going into the half, the Mustangs trailed 31-24. The Falcons extended their lead after gaining the momentum and eventually going on to have an 8-0 run in the 4^th quarter. UTPB's Rory Carter led the Falcons with her 13pts and had their largest lead at 21 points.  

Bobbitt's four 3PTs in the fourth, helped cut their lead to 12, by the end of the game.

Notable players: Kaela Chavez (Las Cruces, NM/Centennial HS) finished with 11pts, and 2 reb. Sophomore Zyan Smith (Queen Creek, AZ/Mesquite High School ) had 7pts, 5 rebs, and 5 ast. Abigail Walter (Fort Worth, TX/Nolan Catholic HS) had 4pts, 7 reb, and 1 ast.

The Mustangs will continue playing on the road as they are playing an independent schedule. Their next game will be at Angelo State University, January 6, 2021. The time is TBA.

Pace looks forward to their next opponent saying "Angelo State is always a tough out. We have a few days to prepare and we are looking forward to another challenge and another opportunity to develop."
 

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Western New Mexico University is a member of the 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 (Twitter & Instagram).