Women's Ice Lobos take inaugural home opener, split weekend with NM 'Stangs

RIO RANCHO — For the first time in history, the University of New Mexico women’s club hockey team hit their home ice.

This past weekend, the Women’s Ice Lobos squad opened up their home schedule at the McDermott Athletic Center, splitting a two-game series with the AA-Division U19 NM Mustangs.

It was an electric atmosphere Saturday night at the MAC as the facility filled with fans ready to catch their first glimpse at the women’s team. Along with the game, the Lobos put on an in-game raffle, a ceremonial puck drop honoring youth hockey and an opportunity for those young fans to skate with the players after the game.

Along with the home opener festivities, the Ice Lobos treated the packed house to a 7-2 win over the ‘Stangs.

UNM forward Brielle Akagi put away four goals in an electric performance, coming off scoring the first goal in program history a month earlier against Utah. Akagi leads the Lobos in goals so far this season and played a pivotal role in their first-ever program victory.

Following Akagi, Tori Hedges scored two goals in the seven-goal onslaught. Izzy Lavelle added her first goal of the season as well.

On defense, Bella Luke got the start in net for the Lobos. Behind a comfortable lead, Luke recorded 17 saves while only allowing two goals, a step in the right direction for the UNM defense after a tough series loss against the Utes in September.

On Sunday, the Lady Lobos had their toughest battle yet. In a back-and-forth with NMM to try and notch their first-ever series sweep, the Mustangs edged out UNM 6-4 to avenge their game-one loss and split the series.

Tori Hedges had another stellar game, recording two goals once again. Her four-goal weekend puts her right behind Akagi for second on the team in the score column. Kylie Phillips followed suit with a two-goal game as well.

The offense was once again flying, but UNM could not find the same luck in their own end. Peyton Swanson and Sarah Olivas both split time in net, saving 16 out of 22 shots. It is the Lobos’ third time this season allowing six goals or more.

UNM ended its opening weekend with a split, but no matter the result, it was an amazing two days at the MAC. The women’s club program, still fresh in its existence, is off and running at its new home rink.

Next up: Colorado. The Ice Lobos will head to Magness Arena in Denver to take on the UD Pioneers on Nov. 7-8.