Local sports fans celebrating big wins over the weekend

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico sports fans have had a lot to cheer about for a while now, but this last week was particularly stellar on the hardwood, the gridiron, the ice, and the pitch.

The Lobo football team delivered yet another solid performance with a 31-3 victory Friday night on the road at Nevada.

The win moved the Lobos to 8-1 on the season and 5-0 in Mountain West action ahead of a pivotal matchup against UNLV at home this coming Saturday.

“So, the vibe is always here. It’s just, now it’s even more because we’re doing great with football and basketball. So, it’s just a vibe,” said Gilbert Chavez, a UNM fan and employee.

Despite the win, the Lobos dropped one spot in the AP poll to 23rd in the country, but they’ll have plenty of chances to climb in that poll and perhaps break through in the college football playoff rankings, which are released every Tuesday.

“But I do think we’re playing well, especially some of these national TV games that are late,” said UNM head football coach Jason Eck. “I know there’s probably some voters and stuff or selection committee people on their couch watching, and I think they saw a really good football team today.”

Recent success has some fans already dreaming of at least a conference championship, if not much more.

“I think UNM’s gonna take the Mountain West championship, and it’d be cool to see them in the playoffs.  I don’t know who’s gonna win the national championship,” said UNM junior Skyler Gilbertson.

While the hype has been building for the football program, the Lobo men’s basketball team is off to a 2-0 start, as expected, including a 94-65 win over Northern Arizona this weekend.

It’s got some other Lobo fans thinking positive thoughts about a different college playoff.

“But I do have to say, I always pick New Mexico as my winner for March Madness,” said UNM grad student Sophie Busse.

After a disappointing loss in their opener, the UNM women’s basketball team notched its first victory of the season as well this weekend by taking care of business against New Mexico Highlands.

Not to be outdone, fans of the United got to see the team put up a statement victory Saturday night in the USL Western Conference Semifinals with a 4-0 win over Colorado Springs to book their spot in the conference finals against Sacramento Republic FC.

“And guys are making plays, so the group is confident.  But I can tell you right now, we’re nowhere near satisfied,” said United head coach Dennis Sanchez.

Local hockey fans also got a chance to see a bit of history made earlier this week when the New Mexico Goatheads grabbed their first home victory in franchise history.

The team defeated the Allen Americans by a final of 5-2 Wednesday at the Rio Rancho Events Center thanks to goals from five different players.

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