Cowgirls win season opener against Northern NM

Espanola, NM --- The New Mexico Highlands women's basketball team won their first game of the season where they beat Northern New Mexico 71-63 in Espanola, NM.
 
The Eagles would score the first 6 points of the game before the Cowgirls would go on an 18-2 run to finish out the quarter. A strong defensive effort from Northern would bring the Eagles within 2 at halftime.
 
The Cowgirls would dominate in the second half as their defense would hold the Eagles to 31% from the field and would go on to win 71-63.
 
The Cowgirls were led by freshman Maiah Rivas who knocked down 4 of the Cowgirls 8 three pointers, and finished the night with 17 points, 3 assists and 3 steals. "Maiah was special tonight" NMHU Head Coach Joseph Anders stated. "Whenever we needed a play - a spark - she found a way to make that happen for us and it really helped us tonight".
 
 Jordyn Lewis, who was selected as team captain, struggled offensively in the first half but came out more aggressive in the second half as she finished with 14 points, 4 rebounds and an assist.  Desiree Forster also scored 14 points for the Cowgirls and added 3 rebounds and 2 steals.
 
Harlie Roach cleaned up the boards for the Cowgirls as she grabbed a team high 11 rebounds, scored 4 points, and drew 2 charges.
 
"We're not going to dwell on the fact that they are freshman" Anders states. "They showed up tonight and they did what I asked them to do…. I thought Ashley Antone made great decisions against the press and they all contributed with positive things".
 
The Cowgirls will have a quick turn-around as they will travel to Durango, Co this weekend to play in the RMAC/Lonestar Conference Challenge against in-state rivals Eastern New Mexico and Western New Mexico.
GO COWGIRLS