LAS VEGAS, NM — Western New Mexico University (0-2, 0-0 Lone Star) fell to New Mexico Highlands University (2-0, 0-0 RMAC), 106-40, at the Wilson Complex. The Mustangs struggled with ball control.

Western New Mexico faced a challenging start as the Cowgirls established control early in the first quarter. Despite an early defensive rebound by Yvanna Villarreal (Las Cruces, NM/Organ Mountain High School) and a steal by Natalie Magallnes, the Mustangs struggled offensively, making only 1 of 10 shots. Cieara Dinwiddie (Porter, TX/Porter High School) provided a brief respite with two free throws at 5:41, reducing the deficit to 9–2. However, turnovers plagued the Mustangs, leading to multiple fast-break opportunities for New Mexico Highlands. The quarter concluded with Western trailing 23–4.

Western New Mexico found a brief surge midway through the second quarter when Magallnes connected on a 3-pointer at 6:13, cutting into the Cowgirls' lead. Teeya Gordon (Alamogordo, NM/Alamogordo High School) was a key contributor in the paint, adding several layups to keep the Mustangs within reach. Despite their efforts, turnovers, with 11 committed in the quarter, hindered their chance to close the gap significantly. The quarter ended with New Mexico Highlands ahead, 52-21.

Western struggled to find momentum in the third quarter as turnovers plagued their efforts. Despite these challenges, Brelee Nichols (Huffman, TX/Hargrave High School) contributed with a pair of free throws and later added a layup and a 3-pointer to keep the Mustangs active on the scoreboard. However, the Cowgirls capitalized on their defensive opportunities, recording five steals and maintaining pressure throughout the quarter.

The home team effectively transitioned defense into offense, scoring 20 points in the paint. The Mustangs' attempts to counter were limited to a few key plays, including a late 3-pointer from Nadia Randall (Albuquerque, NM/Sandia High School). The quarter concluded with New Mexico Highlands leading 80–33. 

In the fourth quarter, the Mustangs struggled to find offensive momentum, managing only three field goals. Villarreal and Gordon contributed with jumpers, but the team faced difficulties with turnovers, committing five in the quarter. Meanwhile, the Cowgirls capitalized with a strong shooting performance, including multiple successful layups and jumpers, extending their lead. The game concluded with New Mexico Highlands securing a decisive win, ending at 106-40.

The first quarter began with the Cowgirls quickly taking control as Kamalani Anitielu hit a 3-pointer just 58 seconds into the game. Western New Mexico struggled offensively, managing only one basket throughout the quarter. Dinwiddie contributed two points from the free-throw line for the Mustangs, while Gordon added a layup for their sole field goal. New Mexico Highlands dominated with aggressive defense, forcing nine turnovers and securing seven steals, which contributed to their 23-4 lead at the end of the quarter.

The Cowgirls extended their lead during the second quarter with a strong offensive performance, shooting 70.6 percent from the field and capitalizing on the Mustangs' turnovers. Kapiolani Anitielu and Aniya Johnson were pivotal, each contributing multiple baskets, including a fast-break layup by Anitielu at 7:59. Western New Mexico struggled with turnovers, committing 11 in the quarter, but Gordon managed to score consistently in the paint, adding two layups and a free throw. Despite these efforts, the Mustangs trailed 52-21 by the end of the second quarter.

New Mexico Highlands dominated the third quarter, outscoring Western New Mexico 28-12. Hailey Long capitalized on an early offensive rebound, scoring a layup at 9:45, and followed up with a jumper to extend the lead. Kapiolani Anitielu contributed significantly, scoring a 3-pointer and a jumper, while also making key defensive plays, including steals. The Mustangs struggled with turnovers, committing seven in the quarter, impacting their ability to close the gap. Nichols added a late layup for the Mustangs, but the Cowgirls maintained control, ending the quarter with a commanding 80-33 lead.

In the final quarter, New Mexico Highlands extended their lead decisively, with Nakia Mojica scoring early with a jumper at 10:00 and a layup at 9:19. Aniya Johnson contributed significantly, adding two jumpers in quick succession to increase the home team's advantage. Western New Mexico's Villarreal and Gordon managed to score, but their efforts were insufficient to counter the Cowgirls' offensive momentum. The quarter concluded with a jumper by Alexandra Gonzales (Elephant Butte, NM/Hot Springs HS), resulting in a final score of 106-40 in favor of New Mexico Highlands.

Gordon led the Mustangs with 14 points, converting six baskets and adding four rebounds. Nichols scored seven points, including one 3-pointer, and collected four rebounds. Magallnes contributed defensively with two steals and recorded two assists. Gonzales added four points and secured five rebounds.

Kapiolani Anitielu led the Cowgirls with 21 points, going 10-for-18 from the field, and added five steals. Johnson contributed 16 points, hitting 8 of 10 shots, and recorded three steals. Aspen Salazar tallied 14 points and was perfect from the free-throw line with six makes, while also dishing out five assists and collecting four steals. Kamalani Anitielu scored 14 points, making 5 of 9 shots, and blocked two shots. Kimora McClure made a defensive impact with four steals.

Western New Mexico has an overall record of 0-2. New Mexico Highlands is 2-0 overall.

Up next for the Mustangs is a home matchup against New Mexico Highlands University. The game is set for Saturday, Nov. 22 at Drag's Court in Silver City, New Mexico.
 

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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 (X, TikTok & Instagram).