SILVER CITY, N.M. – The Mustangs opened up their season at Grand Canyon University. GCU Arena was full of energy, helping the fast tempo Lopes get the victory 93-56 over the mustangs in their first exhibition game of the year. 

"We had some nerves going into the game, but we played hard all game and competed all the way through the game," said Head Coach Josh Pace.

The Mustangs played very well in the first half. After one quarter WNMU trailed 19-14. GCU began to extend their lead in the second quarter, outscoring the Mustangs by 11 points and leading 41-25 going into the half.

The Mustangs continued to compete in the third quarter and were getting the Lopes in foul trouble. GCU just outscored WNMU 23-17 in the quarter. The fourth quarter put the Mustangs out of reach, as the game ended 93-56.

Mustangs veteran Destiney Johnson (El Paso, TX/Parkland HS) led the charge, bucketing 14pts, had 7 boards, and 2 blocks. Senior, Kaela Chavez (Las Cruces, NM/Centennial HS) was second on the team for total points, knocking down two shots beyond the arc, totaling 8pts for the night.

Turnovers hurt the Mustangs, totaling 30 for the game compared to GCU only having 10. WNMU out rebounded GCU 28 to 21.

The Mustangs found themselves in the free throw line 22 times, converting on 14 of them. As a team WNMU shot 63.6% at the charity stripe, as GCU struggled shooting 53.6%

"It was a great atmosphere after the year we had last year. We got valuable experience, in a hostile environment against a good Division I program " said Pace.

The Lopes had four girls score double-digits. Jay McChristine and Lauren Rewers led the floor in points scoring 15 each. Dominique Phillips ended the night with 14pts and Kennedi Shorts bucketed 12 as well.

McChristine led the team with 6 rebounds. Amara Gharam and Taylor Caldwell were right behind boarding 5 of their own.

Mustangs to highlight
Destiney Jonhson: 14pts, 7 reb, 2 blk, 1 stl
Kaela Chaves: 8pts, 2-4 3pt FG, 2 reb
Kyanne Kowatch (Tularosa, NM/Tularosa HS): 6pts, 4-4 FT, 3 reb, 2 astThe Mustangs will head to Las Cruces, November 9th, playing against New Mexico State for a 6:00pm tip-off.

This game recap is presented by First American Bank. First American Bank is a proud supporter of WNMU Athletics!  

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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).