DURANGO, Colo. – The Western New Mexico Mustangs Women's Basketball team kicked off the 2024-2025 season against Fort Lewis at the Whalen Gymnasium. The Mustangs would battle the host Skyhawks throughout the night, but would come up short, falling 53-47.
The Mustangs outperformed the Skyhawks in overall shooting, averaging 35.6% (16-45) compared to Fort Lewis' 35.1% (20-57). However, the Mustangs struggled with three-point shooting, making only 8.3% (1-12) of their attempts, while the Skyhawks hit 18.8% (3-16).
Jade Goynes (Fort Worth, TX/North Crowley High School) led the Mustangs with 16 points, followed closely by Steph Da Silva (Melbourne, AUS/Loreta Mandeville Hall High School) with 15 points and 3-4 free throws. Yvanna Villarreal (Las Cruces, NM/Organ Mountain High School) and Delaney Cook (Dunlap, IL/Peoria Notre Dame High School) both went 2-for-2 on their free throws, contributing to the team's efforts.
Fort Lewis capitalized on Western New Mexico's 24 turnovers, converting them into 12 points and establishing an early lead. The Mustangs fought back with 11 second-chance points but were unable to close the gap.
The Mustangs will remain in Durango, Colorado, for their second game of the early season, facing N.M. Highlands on November 9, 2024, at 2 p.m. MT.
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, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube & Instagram).
