SILVER CITY, NM — Western New Mexico University (0-3, 0-0 Lone Star) fell to New Mexico Highlands University (3-0, 0-0 RMAC), 92-43, at Drag's Court, as the visitors capitalized on 33 turnovers to secure the win. The Cowgirls outscored the Mustangs 33-7 in the third quarter, pulling away decisively.

Yvanna Villarreal (Las Cruces, NM/Organ Mountain High School) led the Mustangs with 12 points, making 5 of 15 field goal attempts. Brelee Nichols (Huffman, TX/Hargrave High School) contributed with a well-rounded performance, scoring 8 points, recording 5 rebounds, and collecting 3 steals. Tess Taylor (Huffman, TX/Hargrave High School) was notable on defense with 2 steals, adding to the team's efforts. Angelina Khalaf (Porter, TX/Porter High School) added 6 points and matched the team's high with 5 rebounds.

Kapiolani Anitielu led the Cowgirls with 14 points, hitting 6 of 21 from the field and adding six steals. Aniya Johnson contributed 19 points, shooting 7 of 10 from the floor and making 5 of 6 free throws. Aspen Salazar recorded 12 points, was perfect from the line on 6 attempts, and collected four steals. Kamalani Anitielu added 12 points, hit both 3-point attempts, and registered three steals. Jessie Ford scored 10 points on 5 of 8 shooting and tallied two steals.

The game commenced with Khalaf securing a defensive rebound for the Mustangs and Villarreal opening the scoring with a layup. The Cowgirls responded effectively, with Kamalani Anitielu contributing a jumper to gain an early 4-2 lead. The visiting team extended their advantage with Anitielu's 3-pointer at 6:18 and maintained their momentum with consistent scoring from Johnson and Kimora McClure. The Mustangs struggled with turnovers, committing seven in the quarter, but managed a late surge as Nichols scored four points, including two free throws at 0:58. Despite efforts from Khalaf and Teeya Gordon (Alamogordo, NM/Alamogordo High School), the Cowgirls concluded the quarter ahead, 18-12.

Kapiolani Anitielu made an immediate impact at the start of the second quarter for the Cowgirls, sinking a 3-pointer just seven seconds in, assisted by Johnson. Anitielu's early success continued with a jumper at 9:11, extending the visitors' lead. The Mustangs struggled with turnovers, committing seven in the quarter, which the Cowgirls capitalized on with fast breaks. Despite some offensive efforts from Khalaf and Villarreal, the Mustangs couldn't close the gap. Salazar's fast-break layup with 15 seconds left capped off a strong quarter for the Cowgirls, who outscored the Mustangs 22-12 in the quarter.

In the third quarter, the Cowgirls dominated the Mustangs, outscoring them 33-7. Hailey Long led the visiting team with a strong performance, contributing early with a dunk at 9:29 to push their lead to 42-24. The Mustangs struggled with turnovers, committing 12 in the quarter. Near the end of the quarter, Nichols managed to drain a 3-pointer with an assist from Taylor, but it was not enough to close the gap as the Cowgirls continued to extend their lead with a 3-pointer from Kamalani Anitielu at 00:19, assisted by McClure.

The Cowgirls dominated the fourth quarter, extending their lead with efficient shooting and strong defense. Adrianna Torrez was active early, contributing key points, including a jumper and two free throws at 8:32, which pushed the lead to 79-33. The Mustangs struggled with turnovers, committing seven in the quarter, while Villarreal's 3-pointer at 3:35 provided a brief offensive spark for the home team. Ford consistently added to the Cowgirls' score, with a jumper at 3:11, helping to secure a 92-43 victory.

The Mustangs stand at 0-3 overall. The Cowgirls are currently 3-0 on the season.

In their next game, the Mustangs will travel to face Metropolitan State University of Denver on Tuesday. Tip-off is set for 6pm MT in Denver, Colorado.
 

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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).