LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The New Mexico State women’s soccer teams’ season came to an end after a semi-final loss against Liberty in the Conference USA tournament Friday, Nov. 8.
After having a regular season to remember, the Aggies (11-6-3) clinched the No. 3 seed in the CUSA tournament with a conference record of 5-2-2. They faced Jacksonville State in the quarterfinals defeating them 4-1 just like they did in the regular season at home. This dominating win gave the Aggies a rematch of last year’s championship match with Liberty. The Flames once again got the best of them, winning 1-0.
The Aggies had a promising start to the season going 4-0-1 in the team’s first five games including a four-game win streak. In those five games, they notched their first power conference victory in program history, defeating Oregon 2-1, thanks to a goal by former Oregon Duck Brooke Schultz in the 36th minute. The Aggies also tied with the #23 ranked USC Trojans 2-2 in their season opener. These were both home games.
After a three-game losing streak following their strong start, the Aggies got a much needed victory over Gonzaga on the road at Luger Field in Spokane, Washington, 1-0. This gave the Aggies a 5-3-1 record entering conference play. Throughout the season, the Aggies were dominant at home (7-1-2) but struggled on the road (3-4-1). They went 4-0-1 at home in conference play.
In their second year in CUSA, the Aggies held their own and secured a top-three seed in the conference tournament. In conference play, multiple Aggies hit career milestones.
Forward Loma McNeese etched her name forever in the Aggie history books when she became the all-time leader in goals with her 27th in a 2-1 win against Louisiana Tech Oct. 27. During the conference tournament, McNeese also became the all-time leader in assists. In a 1-0 win against Middle Tennessee, head coach Rob Baarts marked his 50th career win.
Since the passing of former teammate Thalia Chaverria over a year ago, the players honored her every home game by wearing purple bands—her favorite color. She would have been a senior.
The Aggies now have three consecutive seasons with 10 or more wins under Baarts. Despite losing many seniors this season, they still have a load of talented underclassman who will be given more of an opportunity with the departure of these key players.
Six Aggies earned all-conference honors:
- Loma McNeese (Forward) Second Team All-CUSA
- Brooke Schultz (Midfielder) Third Team All-CUSA
- Andrea Alvarenga (Midfielder) Third Team All-CUSA
- Jena Johannes (Defender) Third Team All-CUSA
- Valerie Guha (Goalkeeper) Third Team All-CUSA
- Ariana Ellison (Defender) CUSA All-Freshman Team
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