LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The NM State Aggies (1-1) and (RV/RV) Liberty Flames (2-0)  met for a late-night broadcast from inside Aggie Memorial Stadium, with kickoff coming at 8:25 PM MT on ESPN2.

A 21-point fourth quarter by Liberty ultimately gave them the 30-24 victory.
 
The rematch of the 2023 Conference USA Championship lived up to the hype as the game-winning score came with just 1:05 remaining on the clock.

The Aggies took one of the top Group of Five teams in the country to the wire, however, were unable to seal the deal as they were outscored by 14 points in the final 15 minutes of action.
 
FIRST QUARTER
After NM State won the coin toss and deferred the kick until the second half, Liberty took control of the ball first. The Flames' first possession of the game ended with a Sone Aupiu batted pass on fourth down to force a turnover on downs. With its first possession of the game, NM State used nine plays to march 47 yards where the drive would end with a 29-yard field goal from Abraham Montaño.
 
The ensuing Liberty drive would last just one minute and 32 seconds as the Flames gained just two yards on three plays before punting the ball back to the home side. After a commercial break, the Aggies called upon the speedy Monte Watkins as the junior took a screen pass 64 yards to the end zone to hand NM State a 10-point lead.
 
Liberty responded in short order with a 63-yard pass from Kaidon Salter to Treon Sibley on their first play of the drive, hastily putting the Flames inside the red zone. Along with a Buddha Peleti sack, the Aggie defense was able to bow its back and limit the Flames to just a field goal.
 
Scoring plays: NMSU - 29-yard field goal by Abraham Montaño; 64-yard touchdown reception by Monte Watkins (Abraham Montaño kick); 39-yard field goal by Colin Karhu
 
End Q1: NM State 10, Liberty 3
 
SECOND QUARTER
Continuing a drive that started in the first, the Aggies leaned on their rushing attack, gathering 50 yards on the ground before Parker Awad found running back Seth McGowan for an easy 5-yard score through the air. The touchdown put the Crimson & White ahead by two scores (17-3) early in the second frame. 
 
Following another long passing play to Sibley, the Flames set up shop at the Aggie 18-yard line. However, once again, the Aggie defense would stiffen up and limit the visitors to just three points - maintaining a two-score lead.
 
The trend would continue as Liberty would work its way into the red zone for the third time in the first half. However, yet again, NM State would use a series of strong defensive plays to force Salter and the Flames' offense off the field.
 
Scoring plays: 5-yard touchdown reception by Seth McGowan (Abraham Montaño kick); 31-yard field goal by Colin Karhu; 29-yard field goal by Colin Karhu; 
 
End Q2: NM State 17, Liberty 9
 
THIRD QUARTER
Returning from the break, both offenses struggled to find a rhythm with a combined five punts to begin the third quarter. A 45-yard run from Liberty running back Vaughn Blue put the Flames in position to potentially tie the game, but they would settle for a 45-yard field goal attempt by Colin Karhu - his fourth of the contest. After Karhu pushed it wide left, the Aggies took control with a 17-9 lead and 3:45 remaining in the frame. The quarter would ultimately end with the scoreboard unaffected.
 
Scoring plays: None
 
End Q3: NM State 17, Liberty 9
 
FOURTH QUARTER
The game underwent a major shift with 9:45 remaining as Liberty came up with a sack-fumble which it returned for a touchdown - pulling within two points. Trailing 15-17, the Flames elected to attempt a two-point conversion, but the Aggie defense stood on its head again - coming up with a stop to keep the home team in front by two on the scoreboard.
 
On the very next drive, Parker Awad would guide the Aggies on a quick, four-play, 65-yard touchdown drive assisted by 18 yards of Liberty penalties late. A two-yard rushing touchdown from Awad capped off the drive in what was his first rushing score for the Crimson & White. 
 
Trailing by nine points, the Flames would respond to the Aggies' haymaker with a right hook of their own as they went on a six-play, 82-yard drive spanning just 2:26 that was capped off by a rushing touchdown from Quinton Cooley who had amassed just 40 rushing yards up to that point in the game. 
 
The Aggies got the ball back, however, after five plays, NM State would punt the ball back to the Flames. Down two with 1:05 remaining, Liberty's Cooley would add a go-ahead 44-yard touchdown scamper to put the game away.
 
Scoring plays: 22-yard fumble return by C.J. Brazile Jr. (Colin Karhu kick); 2-yard rushing touchdown by Parker Awad (Abraham Montaño kick); 27-yard rushing touchdown by Quinton Cooley (Colin Karhu kick); 44-yard rushing touchdown by Quinton Cooley (Colin Karhu kick) 
 
FINAL: NM State 24, Liberty 30
 
UP NEXT
After opening the season with back-to-back home bouts, the Aggies will officially make their first road trip of the season as they travel west to take on Fresno State in what will be a rematch of the 2024 Isleta New Mexico Bowl.
 
The Aggies and Bulldogs are scheduled to kick off at 8:30 p.m. MT and the game will air live on TruTV. Fans interested in attending the game click here to purchase tickets online.
 
For complete coverage of the NM State football program, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics - and follow the Aggies on Facebook (NM State Football), Twitter (@NMStateFootball) and Instagram (@NMStateFB).
 
Postgame Quotes
Head Coach Tony Sanchez on belief entering the game
"We fully believed that we'd have a chance, I don't think is anyone head and heels above anyone else in our conference, so it's really going to come down to week in and week out just executing at a high level."
 
Head Coach Tony Sanchez on offensive performance
"We came out and played really well early offensively, we were able to move the ball and put some points on the board, but really got stuck in the mud in the second and third quarters, really disappointed."
 
Head Coach Tony Sanchez on defensive performance
"You know we tackled really well early; you saw that disappear at the end with a little fatigue. We really limited their rush game, most of their rush game came through Salter running around, but until those last two drives we pretty much shut their run game down and they are a pretty good running football team."

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- After a three-match skid, NM State Volleyball got back in the win column on Saturday. Starr Williams and Mari Sharp led the way offensively with a combined 28 kills and 15 digs, propelling the Aggies past Cal State Northridge in four sets. Nicole Briggs broke two career blocking records and tied another in a masterful defensive performance. The Crimson & White (2-3) fell in the opening set, but took each of the final three frames and finished with a .250 hitting percentage to earn a win in the weekend finale. 

Set-by-set: NM State wins 3-1 (23-25, 25-13, 27-25, 25-16)

FIRST SET

The Matadors took their lone set in the opener on Saturday, despite NM State leading in nearly every statistical category. The Aggies tallied 14 kills and a .222 hitting percentage, but four service errors and three CSUN aces were too much to overcome. NM State narrowly fell 25-23 in set one.

SECOND SET

Ashley Herman led the way for the Crimson & White with five kills in the second set. A relatively back-and-forth set left the Aggies ahead by a score of 16-13 late. Freshman middle blocker Mia Fox subsequently entered the match and went back to serve. In a near perfect turn of events for Mike Jordan and company, Fox did not stop serving until the set was over. The freshman recorded an ace and a kill as part of a 9-0 run to win 25-13. Herman poured in two kills and two blocks in the nine-point stretch to tie up the match at one set apiece. As a team, the Aggies converted on .483 of all attacks in the frame, compared to just .037 from CSUN.

THIRD SET

The hot streak didn’t stop in the second frame, as Yasso Amin’s fifth ace of the season put her side ahead 4-0, winning the 13th straight point of the match. CSUN put together a 7-2 run to take the lead, swelling to as large as three points (16-13). Yasso Amin, Nicole Briggs, Mari Sharp and Starr Williams all recorded at least three kills in the third stanza in what was NM State’s second consecutive 15-kill set. NM State faced two set points from CSUN, but prevailed with a 3-0 run to win 27-25, capped off by a Morgan Stewart service ace.

FOURTH SET

CSUN tallied 12 errors to the tune of a -.100 hitting percentage in the final set, due in large part to seven Aggie blocks. Briggs led the way, getting a hand on five total, including one solo block. CSUN took a 6-4 lead early, but never led again after a tie at 8-8. NM State closed the match and the weekend on an extended 18-8 run, highlighted by a Mari Sharp kill and ace on back-to-back points. Claudia Rossi landed a skip-set kill in the same set-clinching stretch and the Crimson & White sealed the win on, fittingly, a block assist from Briggs and Yasso Amin.

NUMBERS OF NOTE

• Senior middle blocker Nicole Briggs crushed her career high in total blocks (nine), posting 12 in the four-set win.
• Briggs recorded 10 block assists, which was also a new career best. Her two solo blocks tied a previous career high that she set while playing for the Wildcats.
• Entering the weekend, the Arizona transfer had only recorded seven kills twice in her career. She recorded seven in the win on Saturday after back-to-back eight-kill performances earlier in the tournament. Briggs has now eclipsed six kills in four of five matches to start the season.
• Fifth-year libero Darian Markham led the team in digs for the fifth consecutive match to start the season. 
• The McKinney, Texas product followed up Friday’s masterclass of 31 digs with 24 more in the win on Saturday.
• Mari Sharp recorded another double-double, posting 14 kills and 11 digs. 
• For the fourth in five matches this season, Sharp entered double-digit dig territory.
• Mia Fox recorded the first ace of her collegiate career in the midst of the 9-0 run that sealed set two for NM State.
• Yasso Amin now leads the team with five aces this season. The FIU transfer recorded two in the win and led the Panthers with 43 in 2023
• The team recorded a .250 hitting percentage; the highest mark since an outstanding .394 clip in the season opener versus Coastal Carolina.

FROM THE FLOOR

Head Coach Mike Jordan, on the win: “Nicole Briggs had a very good weekend. She’s improving offensively and working really hard as a blocker. Our small defenders were pretty good today. Mari [Sharp] has to have a scorer’s mentality out of system like she does when we’re in system. She was better today.”

Senior middle blocker Nicole Briggs, on her performance: “I was hungry to win. I transferred here for a reason. I came here knowing it was a winning program and wanted to finish off my collegiate career in that kind of environment. There’s still work to do, but there’s a lot of volleyball left to be played.”

UP NEXT

The Aggies are set for their 2024 home debut, with three matches scheduled for next weekend at the Pan American Center. NM State will host Abilene Christian, Texas Southern and Arizona for the Borderland Invitational. NM State’s home tournament kickstarts a seven-match homestand in The Land of Enchantment, including six at home. The Aggies’ action will be streamed live on ESPN+ all weekend or available to follow via StatBroadcast.

For complete coverage of NM State Volleyball, follow us on Twitter (@NMStateVBall), Instagram (@NMStateVBall) and like us on Facebook (NM State Volleyball). You can also follow along with Aggie Volleyball via NMStateSports.com.

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - Arguably the greatest Aggie football player of all time and a member of the Ring of Honor, Charley Johnson, passed away at the age of 85 on Tuesday, September 3.

Johnson, a 1970 inductee into the US Bank/NM State Athletics Hall of Fame, led NM State during its greatest two-year stretch in program history as he was instrumental in guiding the Aggies to 19 wins across two seasons.

This stretch included back-to-back wins in the Sun Bowl where he was named the game’s MVP in both 1959 and 1960.

Johnson remains the only player in Sun Bowl history to win the MVP in consecutive seasons. Johnson, who donned No. 33, is also one of only two players at NM State to have his jersey retired.

In his first season with the Aggies, the native of Big Spring, Texas, finished the year as the NCAA’s leader in touchdown passes with 18 – a mark that was five better than any other quarterback in the country.

Across his career with the Aggies, Johnson completed 214 passes for 2,960 total yards and threw 31 touchdowns while maintaining a 53.8 completion percentage.

Following his time in the Crimson and White, Johnson was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals with the 109th pick in the 1960 NFL Draft before also being selected by the San Diego Chargers with the 64th pick in the 1961 AFL Draft.

After opting to play for the Cardinals, Johnson would serve as the team’s primary starter from 1962-66 and was named to the NFL Pro Bowl in 1963 after throwing for 3,280 passing yards and 28 passing touchdowns.

This would highlight a 15-year professional career in which he played with the Cardinals (1961-69), Houston Oilers (1970-71) and Denver Broncos (1972-75). His four-year stint with the Broncos earned him a spot in the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame (inducted in 1986). He ultimately played 165 games during his pro career and tallied 1,737 completions, 170 TDs and 24,410 passing yards.

Johnson is also a member of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame (inducted in 2010) and the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame (inducted in 2008).

Johnson was also a part of NMSU’s Army ROTC and would later be called into active duty in 1967. He later worked for NASA as a second lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve for two years while still playing for the Cardinals.

Following his playing career and military service were over, Johnson would serve as the head of the chemical engineering department at NMSU, a position he held from 2000-04.

He would also briefly serve as the interim head coach of the NM State football team in the spring of 2010.

Johnson was a long-time supporter of Aggie Athletics and will always be remembered for his unwavering kindness and commitment to serving others.

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DALLAS, Texas - Conference USA unveiled its first 2024 Volleyball Weekly Awards on Monday, anointing Starr Williams as the Offensive Player of the Week.

The redshirt junior tallied a remarkable .560 hitting percentage in back-to-back matches over the weekend at the Georgia Tech Invitational. Williams led the Aggies from the front row in both matches, including 14 kills and no errors in a convincing four-set win over Coastal Carolina; an NCAA Tournament representative from a season ago.

Georgia Tech hosted the Aggies on Sunday, and Williams was just as dominant.

NM State took the third set from the No. 14 team in the nation.

The second-year Aggie connected with newcomer Nellie Reese all set long, including a stretch of three straight and four out of five points ending in a kill from Williams off of a Reese assist.

The Crimson & White posted a team hitting percentage of .500 in the frame, led by a staggering total of 10 kills from Williams.

For her two remarkable performances, the hosting Yellow Jackets selected the Ontario, Calif. native to the Georgia Tech All-Tournament Team. 

Williams was a CUSA All-Tournament Team and All-CUSA Preseason Team selection in 2023, finishing second on the team in kills and kills per set last season.

She has won this award once before, on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. She becomes the first Aggie to win a 2024 CUSA Weekly Award, and is still joined by Darian Markham (two-time Defensive Player of the Week) as the only Aggies to do so.  

Williams and the Aggies are set to head west this week, with three matches on deck at the Sacramento State Invitational. Their first match is against San Francisco on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 5:00 PM MT.

For complete coverage of NM State Volleyball, follow us on Twitter (@NMStateVBall), Instagram (@NMStateVBall) and like us on Facebook (NM State Volleyball). You can also follow along with Aggie Volleyball via NMStateSports.com.

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ATLANTA, Georgia (KVIA) -- After an impressive win on Friday over Coastal Carolina, NM State Volleyball turned to the highest-ranked opponent on its schedule. The Aggies took on the nation’s 14th-highest ranked squad at Georgia Tech’s home gymnasium to close out the opening weekend of the regular season. The Yellow Jackets took the match in four sets, placing both teams at 1-1 overall. 

Set-by-set: NM State loses 1-3 (13-25, 13-25, 25-21, 11-25)

FIRST SET

Georgia Tech came out of the gate riding its home crowd, going on a 16-3 run to pull ahead 18-7 and force an Aggie timeout. After hitting .394 as a team on Friday, the visitors opened up with a .111 team hitting percentage in the first set on Sunday. Georgia Tech hit .312 and posted 16 digs to take the opening set by a score of 25-13. 

SECOND SET

The second frame followed much of the same script as its predecessor. NM State followed up six first-set kills with just eight in the second, hitting .067 as a team. Darian Markham led the Aggies to a team total of 14 digs, but the hosts poured in three service aces and two blocks to repeat the first set score of 25-13. 

THIRD SET

The Crimson & White started out much hotter in frame three, pulling ahead 7-3 as a Mari Sharp kill forced a Georgia Tech timeout. Starr Williams came through with back-to-back-to-back kills, extending the Aggie lead to 15-9. Williams connected with Nellie Reese all set long, including a five-point stretch in which the duo paired up for a kill four times. Ashley Herman came in with the set’s final blow, smashing a kill off a Yellow Jacket and into the scoreboard. The visitors posted a team hitting percentage of .500 in the frame, led by a staggering total of 10 kills from Williams.

FOURTH SET

The Yellow Jackets took control of the fourth set with a 14-2 run that put them ahead 20-8. Aleka Darko entered the match and recorded her first kill of the season, but Georgia Tech left no room for a comeback as the Aggies fell 25-11 in the final stanza.

FROM THE FLOOR

Head Coach Mike Jordan, on the loss: “Their service pressure was unlike anything we’ve seen before. They hit it heavy and hard, and we had trouble with that kind of physicality. When we were able to get them out of system, we had a lot of highlight-reel moments. We’re physical ourselves, but they were just a little too much to deal with from an offensive standpoint. It was a loud environment, a packed house, a top-14 team in the country. They’re capable of being a top-10 team and I think we learned a lot.”

Head Coach Mike Jordan, on what went right in the third set: “I thought we were in system more, and our setters did a good job. Starr [Williams] played really well offensively today. It doesn’t surprise me that she’s capable of having those moments.”

NUMBERS OF NOTE

• The last time NM State faced an opponent ranked 14th or higher was Dec. 6, 2019, when the Aggies took on #13 BYU in the NCAA Tournament
• Starr Williams continued her excellent start, posting 16 kills on .560 hitting percentage, including 10 kills in the third set
• Williams is hitting .560 on the season, earning a spot on the Georgia Tech Invitational All-Tournament Team
• Darian Markham led the team in digs again, posting 12 in the loss
• In the third set, the Aggies hit .500 as a team, but failed to surpass .111 in any other set
• After a .394 hitting percentage on Friday, NM State tallied a .190 mark on Sunday

UP NEXT

After their Sunday afternoon match, the Aggies will venture back to the Land of Enchantment, with an arrival time set well into the early morning hours of Monday, Sept. 2. Just over 48 hours later, NM State will head west to the Sacramento State Invitational, with their first match being against San Francisco on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 5:00 PM MT.                   

For complete coverage of NM State Volleyball, follow us on Twitter (@NMStateVBall), Instagram (@NMStateVBall) and like us on Facebook (NM State Volleyball). You can also follow along with Aggie Volleyball via NMStateSports.com.

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DALLAS, Texas (KVIA) -- Conference USA unveiled its first 2024 Volleyball Weekly Awards on Monday, anointing Starr Williams as the Offensive Player of the Week. The redshirt junior tallied a remarkable .560 hitting percentage in back-to-back matches over the weekend at the Georgia Tech Invitational. Williams led the Aggies from the front row in both matches, including 14 kills and no errors in a convincing four-set win over Coastal Carolina; an NCAA Tournament representative from a season ago.

Georgia Tech hosted the Aggies on Sunday, and Williams was just as dominant. NM State took the third set from the No. 14 team in the nation. The second-year Aggie connected with newcomer Nellie Reese all set long, including a stretch of three straight and four out of five points ending in a kill from Williams off of a Reese assist. The Crimson & White posted a team hitting percentage of .500 in the frame, led by a staggering total of 10 kills from Williams. For her two remarkable performances, the hosting Yellow Jackets selected the Ontario, Calif. native to the Georgia Tech All-Tournament Team. 

Williams was a CUSA All-Tournament Team and All-CUSA Preseason Team selection in 2023, finishing second on the team in kills and kills per set last season. She has won this award once before, on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. She becomes the first Aggie to win a 2024 CUSA Weekly Award, and is still joined by Darian Markham (two-time Defensive Player of the Week) as the only Aggies to do so.  

Williams and the Aggies are set to head west this week, with three matches on deck at the Sacramento State Invitational. Their first match is against San Francisco on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 5:00 PM MT.

For complete coverage of NM State Volleyball, follow us on Twitter (@NMStateVBall), Instagram (@NMStateVBall) and like us on Facebook (NM State Volleyball). You can also follow along with Aggie Volleyball via NMStateSports.com.

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ATLANTA, Georgia (KVIA) -- An explosive win to start the season is set to be followed up by a much greater opportunity on Sunday. After an impressive four-set win over Coastal Carolina - the reigning Sun Belt Champions - the Aggies are poised for a mammoth matchup in the Peach State. NM State now turns to a bout with the hosts of this weekend’s tournament; Georgia Tech, the No. 14 team in the country. Mike Jordan and company earned a Friday win over a 2023 NCAA Tournament squad, and now face a Sweet 16 representative from last year.

HOW TO FOLLOW

Who: NM State (1-0, 0-0 CUSA) at Georgia Tech (0-1, 0-0 ACC)

Where: O’Keefe Gymnasium - Atlanta, Ga.

When: Sunday, September 1 at 4:00 PM ET

Live Stream: ACC Network Extra

Live Statistics: nmstatestats.com

All-Time Record: 0-0

Last Meeting: N/A

QUICK HITS

- The Aggies are meeting the Yellow Jackets for the first time in program history

- NM State is 7-11 all-time versus ACC institutions (conference members as of 2024)

- NM State is coming off another first-time matchup with Coastal Carolina on Friday

- The Aggies have more setters on their roster (7) than any Division I team in the nation (rest of CUSA averages 2.7)

- Four Aggies were named to the 2024 All-CUSA Preseason Team; highest number in CUSA

- The last time NM State faced a team ranked 14th or higher was Dec. 6, 2019 against BYU, which was the last time the Aggies played in the NCAA Tournament

LAST TIME OUT
NM State took down Coastal Carolina on Friday, defeating the reigning Sun Belt Champions in a convincing four-set win. Ashley Herman and Starr Williams were each stellar, posting a combined 26 kills with no errors on 43 swings (.604). Five Aggies made their debut in the win, including setters Claudia Rossi and Nellie Reese, front-row senior transfers Nicole Briggs and Yasso Amin, as well as freshman defensive specialist Makayla Martinez.

Georgia Tech hosted UCLA on Friday, and appeared in firm control of the match. The No. 14 Yellow Jackets took the second and third sets by scores of 25-11 and 25-10, but fell in five sets to the unranked visiting Bruins, falling 14-16 in the final frame. After posting a .500 hitting percentage in the third set, Georgia Tech hit just .213 as a unit across the final two games.

TAKING NOTICE

Conference USA unveiled its 2024 volleyball preseason awards on Thursday, Aug. 22, which included both a head coaches’ poll and a 13-member All-CUSA Preseason Team. The Aggies received two first-place votes en route to finishing second in the poll, behind five-time defending regular-season champion Western Kentucky. Four Aggies (Yasso Amin, Darian Markham, Mari Sharp and Ryleigh Whitekettle) were named to the preseason team, giving NM State the most representatives in the 10-member league. 

SIGHTS SET HIGH

The Aggies returned every starter and 97.7% of all point production from a season ago. The 2023 squad turned in an eight-match winning streak towards the end of the season to vault to the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament, eventually advancing to the CUSA Championship Game. In the offseason, four freshmen and five transfers bolstered the roster up to 25 Aggies. Notable additions include 2023 CUSA First-Team selection Yasso Amin from FIU and three-year Pac-12-starter Nicole Briggs from Arizona. 

LEGENDS ON THE BENCH

Entering 2024, Mike Jordan already amassed 565 wins, 12 regular-season conference titles and seven conference tournament championships. With Gregg Whitis already back for his fourth year as an assistant, Jordan added two of his greatest former players to his coaching staff. In February, Operations Director Tatyana Battle was elevated to assistant coach. In July, Jordan brought Lia Mosher back to Las Cruces after playing last season professionally overseas. Battle and Mosher played a combined 10 seasons for the Crimson & White, including two as teammates (2017-18). The duo combined for a 97-17 (.851) WAC record, six regular-season titles and three trips to the NCAA Tournament. Battle and Mosher tallied 262 matches played, 2,154 kills, 1,145 digs and 617 blocks. They will undoubtedly bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to share with the 2024 roster.

INJURIES OF NOTE

The Aggies entered 2024 with several notable names absent from the action, highlighted by Ryleigh Whitekettle. The redshirt junior was a First Team All-CUSA selection in 2023, and was poised for another strong 2024 campaign after being named to the All-CUSA Preseason Team in August. Whitekettle will miss the 2024 season after undergoing back surgery at the start of the season. Peyton Castillo will also miss the 2024 campaign as she continues to recover from a torn ACL in the 2023 season. 

QUICK TURNAROUND

After their Sunday afternoon match, the Aggies will venture back to the Land of Enchantment, with an arrival time set well into the early morning hours of Monday, Sept. 2. Just over 48 hours later, NM State will head west to the Sacramento State Invitational, with their first match being against San Francisco on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 5:00 PM MT.

FIFTH-YEAR AGGIES

Darian Markham and Mari Sharp each came to Las Cruces in the fall of 2020, making their Aggie debut in Spring 2021. Each have won multiple individual awards and a pair of WAC titles, and both are in their fifth season with the Crimson & White in 2024. Both Markham and Sharp were named to the All-CUSA Preseason Team in August after a 2023 campaign in which they were named CUSA Libero of the Year and All-CUSA Second Team selection, respectively

For complete coverage of NM State Volleyball, follow us on Twitter (@NMStateVBall), Instagram (@NMStateVBall) and like us on Facebook (NM State Volleyball). You can also follow along with Aggie Volleyball via NMStateSports.com.

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- The Tony Sanchez era kicked off in Las Cruces, New Mexico Saturday as the Aggies took on Southeast Missouri State out of the Big Sky Conference.

It was a slow start for the Aggies, they didn't get any numbers on the scoreboard until the second quarter with a touchdown by running back Seth McGowan.

After a 37-yard field goal by SEMO's kicker DC Pippin and a 24-yard field goal by NMSU's Abraham Montano, the half-time score concluded in a10-10 tie.

It wasn't until the end of fourth quarter that the Aggies began to create some separation. McGowan secured his second TD of the season with less than two minutes on the clock to put the Aggies up 23-16.

Then with less than 40 seconds on the clock, SEMO at the 16-yard line and safety Tayden Barnes snags an interception that would call it game.

Scoring Summary:

First Quarter

In the first quarter, Dorian Anderson with a 51-yard touchdown putting SEMO up 7-0.

Second Quarter

In the second quarter with 11:04 on the clock the Aggies snag first TD of the season making it 7-7. Running back Seth McGowan secures a 14-yard TD run off a 13-yard play, 75 yard drive that lasted 5:59.

Both punters for NMSO and SEMO secure field goal making it a tie game at half-time, 10-10.

Third Quarter

SEMO's kicker DC Pippin secures a 53-yard field goal to put SEMO up 13-10.

Fourth Quarter

In the fourth, DC Pippin secures 48-yard field goal, 16-10 SEMO.

With 6:07 on the clock, Abraham Montano with a 51-yard field goal, 16-15 SEMO.

At 1:57, Seth McGowan runs for a 3-yard TD to put the Aggies up 23-16.

With 37 seconds left on the clock, Aggies intercept the ball at 3rd and 2nd to close the game.

Next up, the Aggies will take on Liberty at Aggie Memorial Stadium September, 7th at 8:15pm.

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- A new lawsuit claims former New Mexico State Head Basketball Coach Greg Hire knew about sexual misconduct happening in his locker room as early as 2022's summer training.

The lawsuit states players reported the behavior to Heiar in June 2022. Heiar also said in August 2023 he never knew about the hazing allegations.

The lawsuit comes from Bol Kuir, a former NMSU player. The complaint claims he witnessed teammates using drugs, having guns, as well as harassing, abusing, and sexually assaulting other players.

The suit states Heiar told Kuir to stop being a "tattle tale" by reporting other players.

Kuir say this all led to him being kicked off the team.

This is the third lawsuit related to hazing allegations within the 2022 NMSU Men's basketball team.

In February of 2023, a basketball player filed a police report saying teammates hazed him and sexually assaulted him.

NMSU shut down the basketball program and fired Heiar.

Then, in April, former players Shakiru Odunewu, William "Deuce" Benjamin and Deuce's Dad William Benjamin sued NMSU, former coaches, and three former teammates.

This led to an investigation from the New Mexico Attorney General that led to former NMSU players Kim Aiken Jr., Deshwandre Washington, and Doctor Bradley to be charged with 37 combined felony sexual assault charges in November.

Kuir's lawyer told ABC-7 these allegations speak to the culture of fear that Coach Heair had in his locker room.

“I personally find it appalling, it’s heartbreaking for this young man," he said. "It’s hard to understand why you have a 7 foot 3 player on your team, why you’d reject him, its all very baffling. And in light of the other impending lawsuits, it also bumps the timeline back in terms of, wow, they knew a lot early.”

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DALLAS, Texas - 2023 All-Conference USA Second Team member Brooke Schultz won her first Conference-USA Weekly Award of her career CUSA announced on Aug. 27, at 11 a.m. MT. Schultz recorded two goals and one assist on the week.

Schultz had a stellar week as she scored two goals in two games, both game-winning goals.

Her first goal on the week came against Oregon where she put the Aggies ahead on a free kick leading them to their first win over a power-four conference team in program history.

Her second goal of the week came in the game’s final two minutes against Texas A&M-Commerce. She also recorded the only Aggie Assist in the TAMUC game.

On the year, Schultz has recorded two goals and one assist with five points.

She has also recorded six shots, with three on goal, for a SOG% of .500. Schultz has played in at least 83 minutes in each of the four goals, and the Aggies have played for 342 minutes. 

Schultz becomes the fifth Aggie to receive a Conference USA weekly award moving the Aggies total Weekly awards to seven. Meredith Scott and Loma McNeese each have two CUSA Player of the Week. Schultz, Valerie Guha and Megan Ormson each have one.

The Aggies will hit the road for the first time this season as they will head west to take on Pacific on Aug. 29.  For complete coverage of NM State Women’s Soccer, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateWSOC), Instagram (@nmstatewsoc) and like us on Facebook (NM State Women’s Soccer)

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- NMSU'S head coach Tony Sanchez announced Parker Awad, the transfer from Golden West College, as the starting quarterback for the Aggies in Saturday's game against Southeast Missouri State.

Awad averaged 111 yards per game, threw 1,233 yards, and totaled 88 pass completions and 12 touchdowns in one season with the Rustlers as a freshman.

The QB battle had come down to two players in contention, the other being Deuce Hogan, the former Wildcat and Hawkeye, but ultimately Awad earned the starting position for the season opening game.

"When we looked at the big picture, as an offensive staff we asked who are we going to be and how are we going to run this offense?" coach Sanchez said. "We felt like Parker gave us a little of an advantage. Deuce is not far behind at all. I talked to both of those guys last night and I let Deuce know he has to prepare like he's a starter. At some point we expect to get him in Saturday's game. Parker's done a great job making decisions, he adds that dual threat element that we've had throughout the years so we feel comfortable with him leading us right now."

NMSU will welcome Southeast Missouri State Saturday, August 31st at 7p.m.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The NMSU aggies will get ready for their home opener Saturday August 31st at Aggie Memorial Stadium against Southeast Missouri State.

Last season the Redhawks went 4-7 overall last season and 3-3 in conference play.

NMSU have yet to finalize who their starting quarterback will be. However, head coach Tony Sanchez has narrowed it down to two players in contention.

"Right now it's down to two guys, it's Parker Awad and Deuce Hogan," coach Sanchez said. "They're different, I think Parker adds a little more dual threat capability and Deuce is an older guy, he's been around a little bit more. They both bring some really good things to the table, the great thing is we have more than two guys that are more than capable of starting."

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- The preseason is in the past, and the regular season is up next for NM State Volleyball. The Aggies welcomed Western New Mexico for an exhibition on Sunday, sweeping the Mustangs in three sets. Starr Williams was sensational in the win, tallying 15 kills on 28 attempts, with two blocks to complement her .536 hitting percentage. The Aggies hit .321 as a team overall to take the match in convincing fashion. 

FIRST SET

The Aggies got out to a blazing hot start, pulling ahead 16-6 on a Yasso Amin kill. The Mustangs responded with a 5-0 run, cutting the lead to just five points. However, the Crimson & White answered with a 6-4 run that included four combined kills from Mari Sharp and Starr Williams to close out the set. 

SECOND SET

The two sides went back and forth, trading ties nearly every point until the teams were knotted at 7-7. After a small run put the home squad in front 14-12, the Aggies went on an 11-1 run to close out the set. Maggie Lightheart amassed an ace, a block assist and a kill over the stretch, while Starr Williams added back-to-back kills, entering double-digit-kill territory after just two sets. 

THIRD SET

After a pair of Aggie attack errors pulled the Mustangs within one point of the home squad, NM State posted arguably its most dominant stretch of the afternoon. Back-to-back Mia Fox blocks highlighted a 6-0 run that set up match point, which the Aggies capitalized on one point later with an Ashley Herman kill.

Head Coach Mike Jordan, on the Aggies’ performance against Western NM: “I liked our depth. I thought the setters, for the most part, did a pretty good job. I thought we tipped a few too many balls when we had opportunities to challenge the block. I think some of the young players did a good job. All of our smalls did a good job. All in all, it was a pretty good performance.”

Junior setter Nellie Reese, on her 25-assist performance: “I think today Starr [Williams] and I connected really well, and we have been connecting well at practice, but I was happy to see it in the game. I felt really good about my outside sets today, so I was happy with those.”

Junior setter Nellie Reese, on what the team needs to improve on heading into the regular season: “I think this week at practice, we have to just think about going into every match and every set expecting it to be a fight. Gregg [Whitis] talks a lot about that. I think that’s a big thing we can focus on, because there are spurts of it, but if we can do it the entire set, that’d be really good.”

UP NEXT

The Aggies will head east to Atlanta, Ga. for two games at the Georgia Tech Invitational. Up first, NM State will play Coastal Carolina in a neutral match at 1:00 PM MT on Friday, Aug. 30. Then, the Aggies will take on the hosting Yellow Jackets in a bout with the No. 14 team in the nation. The battle between the Aggies and Yellow Jackets will be streamed live on ESPN+ and available to follow via StatBroadcast.

For complete coverage of NM State Volleyball, follow us on Twitter (@NMStateVBall), Instagram (@NMStateVBall) and like us on Facebook (NM State Volleyball). You can also follow along with Aggie Volleyball via NMStateSports.com.

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- NM State beat Texas A&M-Commerce 2-1 tonight, Aug. 24 at the NM State Soccer Complex. The Aggies came back from a 1-0 deficit at the half thanks to goals by Meredith Scott and Brooke Schultz.

“This game just shows that we are very resilient,” said Head Coach Rob Baarts. “The start wasn’t what we wanted, they came and brought some trouble for us… that allowed us to figure some stuff out. The team was just super resilient to keep going right to the very end and take that opportunity to go score.”

The Aggies went down in the first half after TAMUC scored their only goal of the night in the 13^th minute of the ball game.

The Aggies were unable to score in the first half but led the Lions in shots with six of their own to the Lions one. The Lions however did lead the Aggies in saves with two. NM State had 11 corner kicks in the first half, the most in any game this season, with the Lions recording no corners. Both teams had five fouls going into the second half.

The Aggies started the second half strong with a goal by reigning Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week Meredith Scott to tie the match up 1-1 in the 52^nd minute. A free kick by fifth-year senior Brooke Schultz on the left side of the field just outside the 18-yard box kicked it toward a group of Aggies with Scott finding the back of the net on a header.

Action lulled in the second half until the 89^th minute of the game where Schultz managed to put the Aggies ahead with her second game-winning goal in the past two games. Schultz managed to get a hold of a loose ball inside the 18-yard box to then kick the ball in between two Lion defenders and past the keeper in the bottom right corner of the goal. 

The Aggies dominated play as they managed to put up 13 total shots in the game with five on goal compared to the Lions’ one shot which was on goal as well. The Aggies also recorded 15 total corner kicks with the Lions only having one. The Lions had eleven fouls on the night and one yellow card to the Aggies nine fouls.

Loma McNeese led the team in shots with four on the night, while also leading the team in shots on goal with two. Both Schultz and Shila Rasoul recorded three shots. Scott, Caetlyn Johannes and Arian Ellison each posted one shot on the night.

With two goals in the second half, this becomes the second result for the Aggies with at least two second-half goals, the other being the season opener against then #23 ranked USC.

This is the Aggies’ best start to a season since 2017 when they also started 3-0-1. With the win, the Aggies are now on a 12-game regular season unbeaten streak and an eight-game home unbeaten streak. The Aggies are now 13-2-6 dating back to 2022. Schultz was the only Aggie to record an assist.

Scott’s goal in the second half was her third goal of the season and and fourth of her career. Schultz’s goal was her second of the season and seventh of her career. She also recorded her first assist of the year and the sixth of her career.

The Aggies will hit the road for the first time this season as they will head west to take on Pacific on Aug. 29.  For complete coverage of NM State Women’s Soccer, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateWSOC), Instagram (@nmstatewsoc) and like us on Facebook (NM State Women’s Soccer)

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- After 280 days, the offseason is officially over. Following last weekend’s Crimson & White scrimmage, Mike Jordan’s 27th year at the helm of NM State Volleyball commences with a Sunday exhibition against the Western New Mexico Mustangs. The in-state matchup will be the Aggies’ lone exhibition this season, and their final tuneup before heading to Atlanta for the regular-season opener at the Georgia Tech Invitational. 

HOW TO FOLLOW

Who: Western NM (0-0, 0-0 Lone Star) at NM State (0-0, 0-0 CUSA)

Where: Pan American Center - Las Cruces, N.M.

When: Sunday, August 25 at 2:00 PM MT

Live Stream: N/A

Live Statistics: nmstatestats.com

Last Meeting: WNMU 0 @ NM State 3 [Exh.] (Aug. 19, 2023)

TAKING NOTICE

Conference USA unveiled its 2024 volleyball preseason awards on Thursday, Aug. 22, which included both a head coaches’ poll and a 13-member All-CUSA Preseason Team. The Aggies received two first-place votes en route to finishing second in the poll, behind five-time defending regular-season champion Western Kentucky. Four Aggies (Yasso Amin, Darian Markham, Mari Sharp and Ryleigh Whitekettle) were named to the preseason team, giving NM State the most representatives in the 10-member league. 

SIGHTS SET HIGH

The Aggies returned every starter and 97.7% of all point production from a season ago. The 2023 squad turned in an eight-match winning streak towards the end of the season to vault to the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament, eventually advancing to the CUSA Championship Game. In the offseason, four freshmen and five transfers bolstered the roster up to 25 Aggies. Notable additions include 2023 CUSA First-Team selection Yasso Amin from FIU and three-year Pac-12-starter Nicole Briggs from Arizona. 

LEGENDS ON THE BENCH

Entering 2024, Mike Jordan already amassed 565 wins, 12 regular-season conference titles and seven conference tournament championships. With Gregg Whitis already back for his fourth year as an assistant, Jordan added two of his greatest former players to his coaching staff. In February, Operations Director Tatyana Battle was elevated to assistant coach. In July, Jordan brought Lia Mosher back to Las Cruces after playing last season professionally overseas. Battle and Mosher played a combined 10 seasons for the Crimson & White, including two as teammates (2017-18). The duo combined for a 97-17 (.851) WAC record, six regular-season titles and three trips to the NCAA Tournament. Battle and Mosher tallied 262 matches played, 2,154 kills, 1,145 digs and 617 blocks. They will undoubtedly bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to share with the 2024 roster.

SCOUTING THE MUSTANGS

WNMU posted six wins a season ago, but began the season with an exhibition at the Pan American Center. In the 2023 matchup, the Aggies took the win in a relatively comfortable three-set sweep. WNMU put up their best fight in the second set, falling 25-23, but failed to put up more than 15 points in the first or third frames. 

The Mustangs are led by Geno Frugoli, who is entering his second season in Silver City. Frugoli led the Mustangs to a 6-23 record last season, with a 2-14 Lone Star Conference mark. Frugoli is winged by first-year assistant Jen Whetten. After spending two years at Pima CC, Whetten returned to her hometown of Silver City in May as Frugoli’s assistant on the Mustang bench. 

UP NEXT

The Aggies will head east to Atlanta, Ga. for two games at the Georgia Tech Invitational. Up first, NM State will play Coastal Carolina in a neutral match at 1:00 PM MT on Friday, Aug. 30. Then, the Aggies will take on the hosting Yellow Jackets in a bout with the No. 14 team in the nation. The battle between the Aggies and Yellow Jackets will be streamed live on ESPN+ and available to follow via StatBroadcast.

For complete coverage of NM State Volleyball, follow us on Twitter (@NMStateVBall), Instagram (@NMStateVBall) and like us on Facebook (NM State Volleyball). You can also follow along with Aggie Volleyball via NMStateSports.com.

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - NM State beat Oregon 2-1 in their second-ever matchup and first in Las Cruces on Aug. 22 at the NM State Soccer Complex. Goals from Ariana Leamons and Brooke Schultz propelled the Aggies to their first-ever win over a Power-four conference opponent.

“They're a high press team and really like disrupting your rhythm and I thought they did a really good job at that in the first 20-25 minutes of the game,” said Head Coach Rob Baarts. “We made some adjustments that allowed us to get some gaps in the midfield to start creating goals. Once we scored, I felt like we were in a good place. With a team like that they are always going to have the ability to score, and we knew that. Once they did, we dominated back and got a great goal.”

In the 28^th minute, the Aggies were on the attack with sophomore forward Shila Rasoul dribbling the ball just outside the 18-yard box, firing it to Preseason All-CUSA selection Loma McNeese, who let the ball go by for fellow Preseason All-CUSA selection Leamons. The senior from Buckeye, Ariz., knocked in a goal with her left foot to open the scoring. This was Leamons’ second goal on the season. 

Oregon was not down for long as they managed to get their only goal just two minutes after the Aggies’ score to tie the match up 1-1.

In the 37^th minute of the match, the Ducks committed a foul, giving the Crimson & White a free kick. Former Oregon Duck Brooke Schultz was the one to take the kick. With five Ducks lined up to block Schultz’s shot, she managed to kick it just over the heads of the defenders and sink it into the bottom right corner of the goal to take a one-goal advantage over the Ducks.

In the first half of the game NM State and Oregon were tied on shots each having six and saves both having one. NM State led the Ducks with one corner kick and the Ducks recorded five fouls to the Aggies three in the first half.

The score would remain the same in the second half. Goalkeeper Valerie Guha recorded her second save of the year and 55^th save of her career on the night. Leamon’s goal in the first half was her second goal of the season and third of her career. Schultz’s goal was her first of the season and sixth of her career.

The Aggies recorded 15 total shots on the night with five on-goal, compared to nine shots and just two on goal for Oregon. Rasoul led the team in shots with three and one on goal, while posting the only Aggie assist on the night, her first of the year and second of her career.

McNeese, Schultz and Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week Meredith Scott all recorded two shots on the night. Guha, Mya Hammack, Jena Johannes, Brook Schultz and Marlee Cavitt all played the full 90 minutes of the match.

With the win, the Aggies are now on an 11-game regular season unbeaten stream and a seven-game home unbeaten streak. The Aggies are now 12-2-6 dating back to 2022.

The Aggies will host Texas A&M-Commerce on Saturday, Aug. 24, Saturday at 7 p.m. For complete coverage of NM State Women’s Soccer, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateWSOC), Instagram (@nmstatewsoc) and like us on Facebook (NM State Women’s Soccer)

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - NMSU soccer player Meredith Scott was honored by being named this week's Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week.

It was the second time Scott has received the award in her college career.

For her accomplishment, Scott is this week's Community Champion.

Community Champions is sponsored by Albertsons and the El Paso Community Foundation.

(Article below is courtesy NMSU Athletics)

Meredith Scott is coming off a spectacular week scoring two goals in the first two games of the 2024 season.

The first of which came in the final 30 seconds of the USC match to tie the match.

Her second goal of the week happened in the first three minutes of the UNM match as she scored off an assist from Ariana Leamons and Loma McNeese.

Scott played in 19 games in the 2023 season scoring one goal. Just two games into the 2024 season Scott already has two goals.

In the 2023 season, Scott recorded 17 shots with 7 on goal for a SOG% of .412. In the 2024 season, Scott has recorded two goals with both of them finding the back of the net for s SOG% of 1.000.

The Aggies have now won six Conference USA Player of the Week Awards. McNeese has won two with both Valerie Guha and Megan Ormson winning one.

This becomes Scott’s second player of the week tying McNeese for most CUSA Player of the Week awards on the team.

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- Jack Nixon who is entering his 45th season as the voice of NMSU athletics announced his retirement during the Aggies' football weekly presser Monday afternoon.

The 74-year-old has spent 44 years being the voice for football basketball, volleyball and many other sports teams for the Aggies.

Nixon said this will be his last year commentating then his play-by-play career will come to a halt.

"I still enjoy it, I feel like my eye sight and my brain is still good enough to do this," Nixon said. "However, I'm 74-years-old and the travel has taken a toll on me. I love doing this out of Las Cruces but everything comes to an end and I feel good about this decision."

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- The Aggies earned their first win of the 2024 season with a 3-1 victory over in-state rival UNM on Sunday, Aug. 18 at the NM State Soccer Complex. The Aggies scored three goals on the day, their most against the Lobos in program history.

“Just coming off a big game against USC sometimes it’s hard to have a rivalry game like that as your very next game, I think the girls did a really great job of taking the moment off of USC right into the start of this game,” said Head Coach Rob Baarts. “We jumped on them and got a good lead; we lost a bit of the play but battled back and took control. That leadership that we gained from the past two games is just going to propel us into the next 15 games.

NM State wasted no time in asserting themselves in the bout against their in-state rival – scoring the game’s first goal in the third minute of action. After bringing the ball up the left side, Ariana Leamons played a ball into the box where Loma McNeese deflected the ball to Meredith Scott who poked the ball past the goalie from just a few yards out. This marked Scott’s second goal in two games and third in her career.

Less than 10 minutes later, Leamons made her second impact play of the game, scoring herself. After coming up with a steal, Leamons entered the attacking zone unmarked and used her left foot to bend a ball into the top right corner of the goal from nearly 30 yards out.

With a two-goal lead in hand, the Aggie offense remained on the attack as Shila Rasoul benefited from another misplayed ball by the Lobo defense. Rasoul smashed the ball trickling above the 18-yard box to hand NM State a 3-0 lead in front of their home crowd.

Finally, UNM showed some resistance as it scored its first goal of the match in the 28^th minute to draw back within two goals before the end of the half.

Through the first 45 minutes of action, the Aggies led the Lobos 3-1. UNM however led the Aggies in shots with six compared to the Aggies’ three and Corner Kicks with three compared to the two corner kicks from the Aggies. In the first half the Aggies led the Lobos in fouls with nine fouls to the Lobos four fouls.

In the last 45 minutes of action, there was no scoring. However, Goalkeeper Valerie Guha recorded her first save of the year and 54th save of her career in the 48^th minute of the match. Shortly after the save, Mya Hammack received her a yellow card.

After Hammack’s yellow card, UNM received one of their own in the 61^st minute of play. Both McNeese and Brooke Schultz recorded a shot in the second half both off goal just over the crossbar. McNeese recorded her second shot of the game in the 87^th minute.

UNM recorded eight shots with two on goal while NM State had six shots with three on goal. There was only one save on the day coming from Guha in the second half. UNM led the Aggies in Corner Kicks with five while the Aggies only had five. In a physical battle, the Aggies recorded 15 fouls while the Lobos recorded nine.

UP NEXT:

The Aggies will host their second Big Ten Opponent, Oregon, on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. MT at the NM State Soccer Athletic Complex. For complete coverage of NM State Women’s Soccer, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateWSOC), Instagram (@nmstatewsoc) and like us on Facebook (NM State Women’s Soccer)

The post NM State Soccer Wins the Battle of I-25 appeared first on KVIA.

(Courtesy: NMSU Athletics)

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - NM State redshirt senior Canaan Yarro has been named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List, which is awarded annually to the nation’s most outstanding center.

This year, the Trophy committee worked with Pro Football Focus (PFF) to narrow down its list to the top 40 centers in FBS.

PFF grades every player on every play of every game on how well they execute their given assignment.

That play-by-play grading allowed the Trophy committee to create a watchlist based both on nominations from the schools and data provided by PFF. Once the season

begins, schools will be able to nominate their centers for late addition based on in-season merit.

Yarro, a native of Provo, Utah, enters his third and final season with the Aggies and has played in 26 games since joining the program ahead of the 2022 season.

He serves as a centerpiece on the offensive line and a leader on and off the field for the Aggies.

Last season, Yarro started all 15 games for the Aggies and helped NM State finish 14th in the nation in rushing yards per game.

Ultimately, Yarro was named Second Team All-CUSA in 2023 and was awarded College Football Network Second Team All-Independent honors in 2022.

The recognition as a member of the Rimington Trophy Watch List marks Yarro’s second distinction this week after he was named a HERO Sports Preseason Group of Five Second Team All-American on Thursday morning.

While more than a dozen All-America teams are selected annually, the Rimington

Trophy committee uses these three prestigious teams to determine a winner:

• Walter Camp Foundation (WCF)
• Sporting News (SN)
• Football Writers Association of America (FWAA)

Because the selectors of these three All-America teams can place centers in a "mix" of offensive linemen that includes guards and tackles, their 11-man first teams can often have two centers.

The Rimington Trophy committee's policy is to count all players that play primarily the center position for their respective teams as centers, even though they may be listed as guards or tackles on the All-America teams.

The center with the most first team votes will be determined the winner. If there is a tie with first team votes, then the center with the most second team votes will win.

If there is still a tie, the winner will be determined by a majority vote from the Rimington Trophy Committee, provided with data from Pro Football Focus.

About the Rimington Trophy

The Rimington Trophy is presented annually to the most outstanding center in NCAA Division I College Football.

Since its inception, the award has raised over $5 million for the Boomer Esiason Foundation.

Dave Rimington, the award's namesake, was a consensus first-team All-America center at the University of Nebraska in 1981 and 1982, during which time he became the John Outland Trophy's only two-time winner as the nation's finest college interior lineman. For more on the Rimington Trophy, visit www.rimingtontrophy.com.

Yarro and the Aggies are set to begin their 2024 campaign in Aggie Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 31, when they welcome Southeast Missouri. Kickoff versus the Redhawks is scheduled for 7 p.m. MT. To purchase tickets for the season opener, fans can call the Pan American Ticket Office at 575-646-1420 or by visiting this link.

For complete coverage of the NM State football program, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics - and follow the Aggies on Facebook (NM State Football), Twitter (@NMStateFootball) and Instagram (@NMStateFB).

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- UTEP and NMSU enter week three of Fall camp starting on Monday.

Both the Miners and Aggies are still trying to hone in on who their starting quarterbacks will be.

For the Miners, they have six players fighting for the starting quarterback position. Cade McConnell, the returning Junior, and Skyler Locklear, the redshirt Sophomore who followed head coach Scotty Walden from Austin Peay, are in contention for the starting QB position.

Coach Walden has worked with many quarterbacks before and has a good idea of what he's looking for in his starting QB.

"The thing that guy ultimately has to have is the locker room," Coach Walden said. "The players have to respect him and have to follow him. They have to know when he's behind center, he's in charge and we are going to follow that guy. So, whoever grabs that, I think you'll see grab the confidence and then you'll see that stats, the play making ability and all those things come out because the team has his back and he's got the teams back."

As for the Aggies, they have seven players in contention for that starting QB spot. However, Santino Marucci, the transfer from Wake Forrest has been getting a lot of reps in along with Parker Awad, the sophomore from Golden West College.

"None of them have taken a stamp for the Aggies before," head football coach Tony Sanchez said. "We have to put them in as many stressful situations so we can see how they react to them. The biggest thing about that spot is consistency, you might have a great day today but what are you going to do tomorrow night? There's enough talent around these guys, they have to be ready to deliver the ball on time and make good decisions. If they do that, again the talent around them will take care of itself but we just have to get them comfortable."

The Miners will travel to face Nebraska August 31st at Memorial Stadium at 1:30p.m.

The Aggies will kick off their home opener August 31st against Southeast Missouri State at 7p.m.

The post UTEP and NMSU football enter week three of Fall camp appeared first on KVIA.

(Courtesy: NMSU Athletics)

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - NM State is set to play Cochise College in an exhibition match on Friday, Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Soccer Athletic Complex. Friday’s exhibition will serve as the Aggie’s first contest ahead of the 2024 season. 

Back for More

NM State returns nine starters from last season’s 10-6-3 squad, including a trio of Preseason All-CUSA selections in Ariana Leamons, Loma McNeese and Xitlaly Hernandez.

The Crimson & White also return much of their offensive production, including 75% of goals scored (21-28) and 91.6% of assists (22-24). 

Preseason Picks

On Aug. 8, CUSA released their coaches’ poll, with NM State picked to finish second in the conference, tallying a pair of first-place votes.

Liberty was selected to the top spot with eight first-place votes following last season’s CUSA championship. 

Welcome to the Squad

The Aggies made several additions to the roster ahead of the 2024 season, including Portland transfer Marlee Cavitt, Washington State transfer Jaiden McClellan and Southern Utah transfer Bella Hicken.

Milana Eyrich, Ariana Ellison, Andrea Alvarenga, Daniela Portillo, Rachel Haan and Gabriella Semlick join NM State as freshman looking to make an instant impact.

History

This will be the third time NM State has squared off against Cochise in the past two years as the Aggies hosted Cochise in their 2023 Exhibition as well as an exhibition match in spring of 2024. 

Up Next

The Aggies will host USC in the season opener at the Soccer Athletic Complex, on Thursday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m.

For complete coverage of NM State Women’s Soccer, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateWSOC), Instagram (@nmstatewsoc) and like us on Facebook (NM State Women’s Soccer)

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - Fall camp has begun for the New Mexico State Aggies.

Wednesday, the team took the field as they prepare for their season opener in just four weeks.

NMSU head coach Tony Sanchez held his first fall camp as head coach, but he's no stranger to the program.

He was the team's wide receivers coach the last two seasons under previous head coach Jerry Kill.

As the Aggies look to finalize their depth chart, one of the biggest questions this camp is who will be the starting quarterback?

Last season's starting QB Diego Pavia transferred to Vanderbilt.

The NMSU Aggies will open their season at home August 31 against Southeast Missouri State.

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- Camden Duzenack joins Head Coach Jake Angier on the baseball staff as an Assistant Coach, on Aug. 1, 2024. He will be coaching the infield and assisting with all other aspects of the program. Duzenack spent six seasons in the Arizona Diamondbacks farm system after being drafted in the ninth round of the 2017 MLB draft.

Duzenack recorded 454 hits in 1809 at-bats during his six seasons in the minors. He had a career batting average of .251, an OBP of .318 and an OPS of .735. Duzenack racked up several awards such as Northwest League All-Star in 2017, NWL Post-Season All-Star in 2017, CAL Mid-Season All-Star in 2019 and PCL Player of the Week on Sept. 21, 2022. On Sept. 27, 2022, Duzenack fielded all nine positions in one game.

“I got the honor to coach Cam Duzenack in the minor league system with the Arizona Diamondbacks and he will always be one of my favorite players I’ve coached,” said Javier Colina, Manager of the Hillsboro Hops. “The reason I say this is because he was pro all the way around, a great teammate, a hard worker, played the game the right way and always wanted to win. He loved to compete, and he made other players better. I’m so happy for him that he decided to continue his baseball journey now as a coach, I know he’s going to bring a lot of knowledge and he’s going to work hard to help the New Mexico State Baseball program.”

“Cam is a man of high character who cares for others, leads and has great humility,” said Craig Parry, Hitting Coordinator for the Toronto Blue Jays. “He brings energy and a strong work ethic every day and is passionate about the game of baseball. Jake and NM State are getting a great baseball mind, but even more than that, an incredible person who will instantly make everyone around him better.”

Duzenack spent four seasons with Conference USA foe Dallas Baptist, recording a career batting average of .291. While on the Patriots Duzenack, had an OPS of .829. In the infield, Duzenack had 337 putouts with a career fielding percentage of .954.

“Duzenack is a winner in every way,” said Dan Heefner, Head Coach at Dallas Baptist. “He was one of the most influential players we have had in our program in both his production on the field and the impact he had on everyone he came in contact with. What made Camden a great player and teammate will make him a phenomenal Coach. I can’t wait to see Cam use his knowledge and instincts for the game, his energy, positivity and genuine love for people as a coach at New Mexico State.”

In his freshman year, 2014, Duzenack was named Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American, Two-time Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week, Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Most Outstanding Player, and Missouri Valley Conference All-Tournament Team.

In his sophomore year, 2015, Duzenack garnered First Team All-Missouri Valley Conference and Missouri Valley Conference First Team Scholar-Athlete. As a junior, Duzenack was named to the Second Team All-Missouri Valley Conference, Missouri Valley Conference All-Tournament Team and Missouri Valley Conference First Team Scholar-Athlete.

In his senior year, Duzenack was named MVC Defensive Player of the Year, tabbed to the Second Team All-MVC and MVC All-Defensive Team. He also garnered MVC Player of the Week Honors twice. On May 8, 2017, Duzenack was named Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week for the third time in his career.

For complete coverage of NM State Baseball, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateBaseball), Instagram (@NMStateBaseball) and like us on Facebook (NMState Baseball)

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FRISCO, Texas - Tuesday was Conference USA Media Day, and it was a day of firsts for UTEP head football coach Scotty Walden, and NMSU head football coach Tony Sanchez.

Both are entering their first seasons as head coach with their respective progams.

Coach Walden was joined by wide receiver Trey Goodman, and defensive end Maurice Westmoreland.

Along with a news conference, the teams took part in a kickoff show on ESPN Plus.

Walden is gearing up for his first season as head coach of the Miners as he looks to turn around a program that finished 3-9 last season.

NMSU is also entering a new era under new head coach Tony Sanchez.

Coach Sanchez was joined at CUSA Media Day by offensive lineman Shiyaz Pete, and defensive end Buddha Peleti.

Sanchez is not a stranger to the program as he was the team's wide receivers coach under former NMSU head coach Jerry Kill.

The Aggies do have some holes to fill as NMSU lost 17 starters from a season ago. 

It was a season that saw the Aggies reach the Conference USA championship game.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Andre Seldon Jr. died on Saturday due to an apparent drowning accident at the Porcupine Reservoir in Utah.

The Sheriff's Office said deputies were called out to the area about 2 p.m. Saturday after callers reported a young man was seen cliff diving and did not resurface.

Officials with Utah State University say it appeared he drowned after what appears to be a cliff-diving accident.

It's evident Seldon left his mark here in the Borderland. During his time as NMSU he was team captain for two seasons before entering the portal in December of 2023 and transferring to Texas Christian University.

He recorded 96 tackles for the Aggies as well as 12 pass deflections and two interceptions.

Former NMSU head football coach Jerry Kill is torn by this news and says Seldon was like his son.

"I think our memories were always when we left each other," Kill said. "I'd give him a hug and he'd give me a cut hug and he'd go I love you coach and I'd say I love you too. Five days ago I got to tell him I loved him and I guarantee I'll never forget that. I'll always have his phone number in my phone and at least I had that. To the people in Las Cruces, we lost a good on. Each day I ask you all to think about Andre Seldon because he could teach us all something every single day."

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DALLAS, Texas (KVIA) -- Conference USA distributed its preseason watch list ahead of the 2024 football season on Friday afternoon. The list includes five individuals from each of the conference’s 10 member institutions selected by the league’s head coaches as players to keep an eye on this season.

The Aggies were represented by three offensive players, one defensive player and one specialist. On the offensive side of the ball, 2023 Second Team All-CUSA selection Canaan Yarro was listed alongside returners Monte Watkins and Kordell David. Defensively, Buddha Peleti earned the nod for the Aggies. Lastly, punt returner Jordan Smith secured the program’s lone spot among special teams honorees.

The five Aggies listed are among the 28 letterwinners returning from last year’s 10-win team. Yarro led an offensive front which helped the Aggies finish with the nation’s 14th-ranked rushing attack in the country. Watkins returns to the backfield after a redshirt sophomore campaign in which he paced all Aggie runners in yards per carry (9.7). David enters year three with the program and will serve as the Aggies’ leading returning receiver this season.

Peleti, a junior from Adelanto, Calif., makes his return as a leader on the defensive front. Last season, Peleti appeared in all 15 games and finished the season tied for the team lead in total sacks at 4.5 and will be the Aggies’ leading returner in this category this season. Lastly, Jordan Smith served as the Aggies starting punt returner during the first four games of the year prior to an injury which kept him sidelined for much of the final 11 games of the season.

NM State is set to begin its 2024 campaign in Aggie Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 31, when it plays host to Southeast Missouri. Kickoff versus the Redhawks is scheduled for 7 p.m. MT.

For complete coverage of the NM State football program, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics - and follow the Aggies on Facebook (NM State Football), Twitter (@NMStateFootball) and Instagram (@NMStateFB).

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(Courtesy: NMSU Athletics)

ARLINGTON, Texas - The Atlanta Braves drafted Titus Dumitru in Round 16 with the 491st pick on July 16 of the MLB Draft.

He is the second member of the 2024 baseball team to be drafted in the 2024 MLB Draft.

Dumitru is the fourth Aggie to be drafted by the Braves, the last Aggie that the Braves drafted was Ian Mejia.

Dumitru is also the second Aggie that was taken in the 16th round joining Gene DeSalme who the Milwaukee Brewers drafted in the 2001 MLB Draft. 

Dumitru batted .337 in the 2024 campaign recording 61 hits with 16 doubles and 12 home runs.

Dumitru drove in 40 runs for the Aggies.

He had an on-base percentage of .435 and a slugging percentage of .624 for an OPS of 1.059.

Dumitru was named to the 2024 Second Team All-Conference USA.

He only spent one season with the Aggies as he transferred from Linn Benton College after his freshman and sophomore seasons.

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(Courtesy: NMSU Athletics)

ARLINGTON, Texas - Keith Jones II was drafted by the Texas Rangers in round nine with the 285th overall pick in the MLB Draft on July 15.

Jones becomes the first Aggie drafted by the Rangers in program history and the ninth Aggie to be drafted in the first ten rounds of the MLB draft.

The First Team All-Conference USA member recorded a team-high .367 batting average.

Jones also led the team in hits (81) home runs (17), runs (67), RBI’s (67), slugging percentage (.710) and walks (35) in his senior year.

The two-year letter-winner started 44 games during the 2023 season. In his junior year, Jones led the team in batting average with a .377 and at-bats with 167. 

In that season Jones was named Second-team All-WAC.

Jones was the lone Aggie named to the Preseason All-CUSA before the 2024 season and the first Aggie to win Conference USA Hitter of the Week. Jones also ranked top three in avg., OPS, runs, doubles, triples, RBI, total bases and slugging percentage among the conference.

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(Courtesy: NMSU Athletics)

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - Conference USA released its 90-game schedule of 2025 women’s basketball games on Thursday. Kennesaw State became CUSA’s 10th member earlier this month, meaning each team will play two more contests, increasing each member’s conference slate from 16 to 18 games.

NM State finished 6-10 a year ago, earning the sixth seed before making a trip to the CUSA Championship Semifinals. 

2025 NM State Women’s Basketball Conference USA Schedule

*Home games in BOLD*

Thursday, Jan. 2 - at Sam Houston (Huntsville, Texas)

Saturday, Jan. 4 - at LA Tech (Ruston, La.)

Saturday, Jan. 11 - vs. UTEP

Thursday, Jan. 16 - vs. FIU

Saturday, Jan. 18 - vs. Liberty

Thursday, Jan. 23 - at Kennesaw State (Kennesaw, Ga.)

Saturday, Jan. 25 - at Jax State (Jacksonville, Ala.)

Thursday, Jan. 30 - vs. Middle Tennessee 

Saturday, Feb. 1 - vs. Western Kentucky

Saturday, Feb. 8 - at UTEP (El Paso, Texas)

Thursday, Feb. 13 - at Liberty (Lynchburg, Va.)

Saturday, Feb. 15 - at FIU (Miami, Fla.)

Thursday, Feb. 20 - vs. Jax State

Saturday, Feb. 22 - vs. Kennesaw State

Thursday, Feb. 27 - at Middle Tennessee (Murfreesboro, Tenn.)

Saturday, March 1 - at Western Kentucky (Bowling Green, Ky.)

Thursday, March 6 - vs. Louisiana Tech

Saturday, March 8 - vs. Sam Houston 

New addition Diarrah Sissoko’s first CUSA game in the Crimson & White will be against her former team; the Sam Houston Bearkats on Jan. 2.

Two days later, the Aggies will travel to Ruston, where they will take on last year’s No. 4 seeded Lady Techsters. 

After departing Ruston, NM State will only leave the Borderlands one time in the following 40 days.

First, the Aggies will host UTEP in a Saturday, Jan. 11 matchup.

The following week, Jody Adams and company will wrap up their three-game homestand with FIU on Jan. 16 and Liberty on Jan. 18. 

On Thursday, Jan. 23, Kennesaw State and NM State will play for the first time in what will now be a conference matchup. The Owls departed the ASUN for Conference USA on July 1, 2024 and will face NM State for the first time in their 43-year history. Later that weekend, the Aggies will cross into Alabama for a Saturday showdown with Jax State, where they will look to earn their first win over the Gamecocks in program history. 

The Aggies will be back in the Borderlands for the next two weeks, beginning with a two-game homestand.

Back-to-back conference champion Middle Tennessee will roll into town on Thursday, Jan. 30, coming off a perfect 19-0 record versus CUSA opponents a year ago.

The first game of February will be a matchup with Western Kentucky on that Saturday.

After having a mid-week off, the final 2025 regular-season Battle of I-10 will take place in El Paso on Feb. 8 in the Don Haskins Center. 

The farthest trip of league play will abruptly end the extended stay in the Borderlands, as NM State heads to Liberty and FIU for a pair of games centered around Valentine’s Day.

Jax State and Kennesaw State will come to Las Cruces a week later for the penultimate homestand of the season on Thursday, Feb. 20 and Saturday, Feb. 22, respectively.

Just as January ended with Middle Tennessee and February began with WKU, the Blue Raiders will round out the Aggies’ February slate with a bout on Thursday the 27th before the Crimson & White travel north for a March 1 matchup with the Hilltoppers.

NM State came away victorious in both affairs with WKU in 2023-24 and will look to close out their 2024-25 road schedule with another win in E.A. Diddle Arena.

The Aggies will close out the 2024-25 regular season at home, beginning with a Thursday, March 6 contest against LA Tech.

When the Lady Techsters came to Las Cruces a year ago, the Aggies took the win in a thrilling 66-64 overtime nailbiter.

Finally, Senior Day will come against the same opponent the CUSA slate began with; Sam Houston. The Aggies won the home battle with the Bearkats by 13 points in 2024, and will aim to honor a robust senior class with a similar result in 2025.

All tip-off times are currently TBD.

Additionally, the 2024-25 NM State Women’s Basketball non-conference schedule will be released at a later date. 

For complete coverage of NM State Women's Basketball, follow us on Twitter (@NMStateWBB), Instagram (@NMStateWBB) and like us on Facebook (NM State Women's Basketball). You can also follow along with Aggie Women's Basketball via NMStateSports.com.

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(Courtesy: NMSU Athletics)

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - On Jan. 2, theNew Mexico State Aggies Men’s Basketball will be embracing the start of its second season in Conference USA play in none other than the Pan American Center. 

On Thursday morning, Commissioner Judy McLeod and the league office released the Aggies’ 18 CUSA matchups that include the addition of new conference member Kennesaw State.  

NM State’s opening opponent will be against a university that Head Coach Jason Hooten is acquainted with, as Sam Houston and Head Coach Chris Mudge will journey to Las Cruces for a Thursday, Jan. 2 matchup.

This will be their third head-to-head battle since Hooten left to become the Aggies head coach.

Not only will both teams start league play against each other, but they will also end conference play versus each other on Saturday, March 8 in Huntsville, Texas. 

After facing off with the Bearkats, the Aggies will host an old Western Athletic Conference competitor in Louisiana Tech on Saturday, Jan. 4 before rounding out the season series on Thursday, March 6 in Ruston, Louisiana. 

After opening league play at home, the Aggie’s first road game will only be 40 miles away against a familiar foe in UTEP for another chapter of the Battle of I-10.

This will be the 227th time these teams have battled it out on the hardwood. NM State will host the Miners in front of the Panamaniac's Saturday, Feb. 8. 

Going into the next week, the Aggies will continue their road trip in Miami to face Florida International on Thursday, Jan 16. Shortly after, on Saturday, Jan. 18, the Aggies will head to Lynchburg, Virginia to take on Liberty.

NM State will have their second matchup with the Flames on Lou Henson Court on Thursday, Feb 13 and then host Florida International for their final game of the season series on Saturday, Feb 15. 

Following the contest against Liberty, the Aggies will head home to welcome a new conference opponent to the Pan American Center, as they will face Kennesaw State on Thursday, Jan. 23.

This will be the first time in school history that these two teams will face off on the hardwood.

Soon to be followed by NM State hosting Jacksonville State at Lou Henson Court on Saturday, Jan. 25.

In right under a month's time, Jacksonville State will have its opportunity to host the Aggies on Thursday, Feb. 20.

The Crimson and White will also make a stop in Kennesaw, GA to battle with the Owls on Saturday, Feb. 22. 

After competing with the Gamecocks at home, the Aggies will meet the Blue Raiders in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Thursday, Jan. 30, then journey to duel with Western Kentucky Saturday, Feb. 1 in Bowling Green, Ky.

The Aggies will then host Middle Tennessee on Thursday, Feb. 27, before welcoming the Hilltoppers on Saturday, March 1. 

Upon conclusion of the CUSA regular season, the league’s teams will compete in the 2025 Conference USA Basketball Championship scheduled for Tuesday, March 11 through Saturday, March 15, at Propst Arena in Huntsville, Ala. The conference tournament champion will also receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Championship. 

For complete coverage of NM State men's basketball during the 2024-25 season, visit NMStateSports.com – the official home of the Aggies – and follow the Aggies on Facebook (NM State Men's Basketball), Twitter (@NMStateMBB) and Instagram (@NMStateMBB). 

2024-25 NM State Conference USA Schedule

Home games listed in bold.

Thursday, Jan. 2 – Sam Houston

Saturday, Jan. 4 – Louisiana Tech

Saturday, Jan. 11 – at UTEP 

Thursday, Jan. 16 – at Florida International 

Saturday, Jan. 18 – at Liberty 

Thursday, Jan. 23 – Kennesaw State

Saturday, Jan. 25 – Jacksonville State

Thursday, Jan. 30 – at Middle Tennessee 

Saturday, Feb. 1 – at Western Kentucky 

Saturday, Feb. 8 – UTEP

Thursday, Feb. 13 – Liberty

Saturday, Feb. 15 – Florida International

Thursday, Feb. 20 – at Jacksonville State 

Saturday, Feb. 22 – at Kennesaw State 

Thursday, Feb. 27 – Middle Tennessee

Saturday, March 1 – Western Kentucky

Thursday, March 6 – at Louisiana Tech 

Saturday, March 8 – at Sam Houston 

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(Courtesy: NMSU Athletics)

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - NM State Soccer welcomes 10 new Student-Athletes to their roster as the 2024 season inches closer to kicking off.

The new players round out the roster to 33 total student-athletes.

#00 | Gabriela Semlick | Fr. | Goalkeeper | Ceder Tree Classical Christian School | Ridgefield, Wash.

With her time in high school, Semlick earned the MVP award her senior year. In 2023 she helped lead the Lions to a state championship win. She is the daughter of Timothy and Michelle and has two siblings Nathan and Savanna. Semlick is currently majoring in Biology.

#4 | Bella Hicken | R-So. | Defender | Snow College | Salt Lake City, Utah

Hicken played in 15 games with 12 starts at Snow College where she recorded one goal on the season. She played a total of 803 minutes in her redshirt freshman season. Prior to Snow College Hicken attended Idaho where she did not see any in-game action. She is the daughter of Drew and Paislee Hicken; her father was a professional snowboarder. Hicken is currently majoring in advertising.

#7 | Andrea Alvarenga | Fr. | Midfielder | Sanger HS | Sanger Calif.

Alvarenga attended Sanger High School where she won her league four years in a row. Was named MVP, Student-Athlete of the Year, Player of the Year, and 1st team. Alvarenga Led her team in Goals. She is set to play with the u-20 national team. She is the daughter of Leonel Alvarenga and Maria Torres. She was born in El Salvador and came to the US when she was seven. She is currently majoring in Business Finance.

#12 | Ariana Ellison | Fr. | Defender | Skyline High School | Sammamish, Wash.

Ellison attended Skyline High School where she won the Washington state championship two years in a row in 2022 and 2023. She was named 1st-team all-league. She is the daughter of Jason and Raelena, her father played six seasons in the MLB and is currently the Assistant Coach for the University of Washington baseball program.

#24 | Daniela Portillo | Fr. | Defender | Montwood High School | El Paso, Texas

Portillo attended Montwood High School where she was a two-time offensive MVP, three-time First Team All-City, Three-time first-team All-District, Montwood Newcomer of the Year and El Paso Rookie of the Year. In high school, she scored 92 goals and recorded 43 assists. Portillo received her associate’s degree in the fall of 2023 before graduating high school. She is the daughter of Adrian Portillo and Adriana Bauman. She is currently majoring in political science.

#26 | Milana Eyrich | Fr. | Defender/Forward | Walden Grove High School | Sahuarita, Ariz.

Eyrich attended Walden Grove High School where she was a State Championship as a Captain. She was named Offensive Player of the Year. Eyrich played in 47 total games recording 71 goals and 57 assists. She is the daughter of Billy and Jackie.

#27 | Rachel Haan | Fr. | Defender/Midfielder | Sunny Hills HS | Fullerton, Calif.

Haan attended Sunny Hills High School where she won Most Improved Player in 2022 and in 2024, she was named Most Valuable Player. In the same year, she was named to the First Team All-Freeway League. Haan graduated as Sunny Hills High School Valedictorian. She is the daughter of John and Joanna; her mother ran track at Illinois for one year. She is set to major in chemical engineering.

#28 | Jaiden McClellan | R-Jr. | Midfielder | Washington State | Portland, Ore.

McClellan played two years with San Jose State where she played in 27 matches making 24 starts before transferring to Washington State. At Washington State, McClellan made four appearances as a sophomore and did not see any in-game action in her second season with the Cougars. She is the daughter of Lisa and Eric. McClellan is majoring in English.

#29 | Marlee Cavitt | So. | Defender | Portland | Sacramento, Calif.

Cavitt spent one year with Portland, playing 15 games and making four starts. She scored one goal against UC Irvine in her 446 minutes of work for the Pilots. Cavitt attended John F Kennedy High School in Sacramento, Calif. She is the daughter of Brandon Melissa; her father played Soccer for Sacramento State and then went on to play professionally. Her Mother played soccer at Portland. Cavitt is also a dual sport student Athlete for the Aggies as she is set to run for Track and Field in the spring. Cavitt is majoring in Kinesiology.

#99 | Parker Frei | So. | Goalkeeper | New Mexico Highlands | Albuquerque, N.M.

Fei is a transfer from New Mexico Highlands. At Highland, she played in six games. With her time in goal, Frei racked up 36 saves. Frei attended Sandia High School, earning Academic Honors and being listed as an Athletic All-District Honorable Mention. Playing in 50 games she managed to rack up 250 saves. She is the daughter of Sean and Melissa. Frei is majoring in business.

For complete coverage of NM State Soccer, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateWSOC), Instagram (@nmstatewsoc) and like us on Facebook (NM State Women’s Soccer)

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(Courtesy: NMSU Athletics)

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - On Monday evening, Carl Cherenfant made it official that he will be in Crimson and White this fall for the Aggies. 

Cherenfant spent his freshman season at Memphis before transferring to New Mexico State. 

Carl Cherenfant | So. | G | 6-5 | Pompano Beach, Fla. | Calvary Christian Academy | Memphis

• Going into his first year at Memphis, Cherenfant was named the Preseason AAC Co-Rookie of the Year by the league's head coaches. 
• In his freshman season, he played in 18 contests averaging 4.4 minutes per game. He earned a season-high of 16 minutes of action against SMU on February 18.  
• He committed to Memphis in October 2022 and was a part of the recruiting class that included Mikey Williams, JJ Taylor and Ashton Hardaway.  
• Coming out of high school, Cherenfant was named the 76th overall player in the class of 2023. He was also rated the 28th best small forward and 11th best prospect in Florida.  
• Cherenfant came out of Calvary Christian Academy located in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. As a senior, he averaged 11.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.9 steals per game. That season, he led the Eagles to their second consecutive Class 4A Florida state title along with a #5 ranking on the SI Power 25.  
• Following their 4A title, the Eagles were selected to the inaugural State Champions Invitational to compete against the best teams in the country where they routed Sidwell Friends (D.C) 58-37 in the semifinals before blistering Auburn (Wa.) 71-44 in the title game to claim the first national championship in school history for the Eagles. In the championship game, Cherenfant led the charge with 14 points, seven rebounds, and four assists on the night.  
• Before making his decision to choose Memphis, Cherenfant held offers from LSU, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Kansas State, Virginia Tech and St. John’s amongst others.    

QUOTABLE | Head Coach Jason Hooten

"This time last year we still needed quite a few players. With the signing of Carl, it puts us at 13 and in position to have everyone here for the start of summer workouts next week. Carl reminds me so much of Javion May, which I think everyone knows what Javion meant to me personally and our teams at Sam Houston. He will be an elite defender and rebounder from day one. His ability to get downhill and play in transition were other things he showed as strengths in his limited playing time this past season at Memphis. Carl has so much untapped offensive potential, and his maturity and toughness will help this basketball team take a big leap." 

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- On Thursday evening, Emmanuel Tshimanga made it official that he will don the Crimson & White for Head Coach Jason Hooten and the Aggies this fall. 

Tshimanga spent his first two seasons out of high school at UC Irvine before transferring to UC San Diego, where he would play two seasons for the Tritons. 

Emmanuel Tshimanga | Gr. | F | 7-0 | Montreal, Quebec | Bella Vista Prep | UC Irvine | UC San Diego

• Coming off the bench for the Tritons last season, Tshimanga averaged 14.1 minutes in 22 games of action. He finished the year shooting 59% from the field and was third on the team in rebounds, averaging 5.0 per game. 
• Tshimanga was named to the Winter Big West All-Academic team last season. 
• In his junior year with UC San Diego, he played in 24 games, with 10 of those being starts. After averaging nearly 19 minutes per game, Tshimanga finished second on the team in rebounds with 6.2 per contest. 
• That year, Tshimanga recorded his career high in rebounds (13) against Eastern Michigan and notched his career high in scoring (18) versus UC Santa Barbara. 
• In his redshirt sophomore season at UC Irvine, he played in 25 games, averaging 10.8 minutes per game for the Anteaters. He put up a season-high 14 points against Duquesne. He was also named to the Big West All-Academic team and the Big West Commissioner’s Honor Roll. 
• After medically redshirting his freshman year, he saw much more action in his redshirt freshman campaign. Tshimanga played in all 27 games and recorded season highs in points (12) and rebounds (11) for his first career double-double against Bethesda.  
• In his senior year at Bella Vista Prep, Tshimanga averaged 7.7 points and 7.8 rebounds per game and helped lead the Bears to a Grind Session Championship. 

QUOTABLE | Head Coach Jason Hooten

“We are excited about Emmanuel and the experience he will bring to our team. Emmanuel is someone with the flexibility to play different styles and will bring us a true low post presence. He has a high basketball IQ and skill level which allows him to be effective all over the floor. The biggest thing he has shown statistically over his career is the ability to rebound the basketball and shoot a high percentage from the field. We started with the goal of improving our frontcourt. With the signing of Edward [Nnamoko], and now Emmanuel, this could arguably be the best depth I’ve ever had as a head coach in that position.". 

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- Joey Ortiz, Kyle Bradish and Nick Gonzales continue to dominate in the show with Bradish earning his first win of the 2024 campaign. Ian Mejia threw a seven-game no-hitter with the Mississippi Braves.

Kyle Bradish- Orioles

Bradish has made two more starts this season for five total starts on the mound for the Orioles. In his last outing, May 26, Bradish earned his first win of the season throwing for 7.0 hitless innings. Bradish recorded four walks in his outing with 11 strikeouts which is his season high.

Bradish has now thrown for 25.2 innings for the Orioles boasting a 1.75 ERA. Bradish has only allowed 16 hits and five runs so far this season. Bradish has 34 strikeouts on the season with just 11 walks for a 3.09 strikeout to walks ratio.

Nick Gonzales- Pirates

Gonzales has played in 19 games for the Pirates with 64 at-bats. He is currently batting .313 recording 20 hits with four doubles one triple and three home runs. Gonzales has 16 RBI’s and 10 runs for Pittsburg.

On May 29, Gonzales had his first three hit game of the season with one double and one home run. In this outing Gonzales drove in two runs for the Pirates. Gonzales now has five multi-hit games this season. He is just five hits away from beating his season high in hits, in 2023 he recorded 24 hits in 35 games.

Joey Ortiz- Brewers

Ortiz has played in 49 games for Milwaukee recording 38 hits on 135 at-bats for an average of .281. Ortiz has five home runs and 19 RBIs for the Brewers with 22 runs. Ortiz has two multi-RBI games including a three RBI game against Houston on May 17 and a two RBI game on May 25, against Boston.

With two triples on the season Ortiz his 7th in the National League. Ortiz has two stolen bases. Ortiz has an on-base percentage of .381 and an OPS of .877.

Ian Mejia- Brave Organization

Mejia has had a great season in the Braves organization. So far this season Mejia has started in ten games and thrown for 51.0 innings. In ten starts Mejia has five wins and one loss. Mejia has 58 strikeouts on the season.

For complete coverage of NM State Baseball, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateBaseball), Instagram (@NMStateBaseball) and like us on Facebook (NMState Baseball)

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(Courtesy: NMSU Athletics)

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - Wednesday the league office announced start times and the television schedule for the 2024 campaign.

This season, the Aggies’ home schedule will feature six home games, including two on national television.

Additionally, NM State Athletics announced that the Nov. 9 matchup versus Western Kentucky will serve as the annual Homecoming Game.

In their first year under the leadership of Head Coach Tony Sanchez, the Aggies will begin the season at home against Southeast Missouri State with kickoff set for 7 p.m. MT with the broadcast available on ESPN+.

NM State will then kickoff the second week at 8:15 p.m. MT when it will host Liberty in a premier matchup to be aired on ESPN2.

The Aggies will also be in front of a national audience on Wednesday, October 9, when they travel to Jacksonville, Ala., to take on Jax State on ESPN2. Kickoff versus the Gamecocks is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. MT.

The following week, the Crimson and White will return home for a nationally televised mid-week matchup.

On Tuesday, October 15, the Aggies will host LA Tech in a game that will be aired on ESPNU and will begin at 7 p.m. MT.

NM State will then wrap up its stretch of three consecutive nationally televised games when they visit FIU for a game on Tuesday, October 29, that will be shown on CBS Sports Network with kickoff set for 5 p.m. MT.

With the announcement, only the Aggies’ non-conference matchups against Fresno State and Texas A&M are still awaiting kickoff times and broadcast information.

The complete television schedule and game times for the Aggies’ 2024 season can be found below.

BOLD indicates home game

* indicates Conference USA opponent

(HC) indicates Homecoming Game

For complete coverage of the NM State football program, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics - and follow the Aggies on Facebook (NM State Football), Twitter (@NMStateFootball) and Instagram (@NMStateFB).

The post NMSU football: CUSA releases kickoff times & television schedule for upcoming season appeared first on KVIA.

DALLAS, Texas (KVIA) -- Wednesday the league office announced start times and the television schedule for the 2024 campaign. This season, the Aggies’ home schedule will feature six home games, including two on national television. Additionally, NM State Athletics announced that the Nov. 9 matchup versus Western Kentucky will serve as the annual Homecoming Game.

In their first year under the leadership of Head Coach Tony Sanchez, the Aggies will begin the season at home against Southeast Missouri State with kickoff set for 7 p.m. MT with the broadcast available on ESPN+. NM State will then kickoff the second week at 8:15 p.m. MT when it will host Liberty in a premier matchup to be aired on ESPN2.

The Aggies will also be in front of a national audience on Wednesday, October 9, when they travel to Jacksonville, Ala., to take on Jax State on ESPN2. Kickoff versus the Gamecocks is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. MT.

The following week, the Crimson and White will return home for a nationally televised mid-week matchup. On Tuesday, October 15, the Aggies will host LA Tech in a game that will be aired on ESPNU and will begin at 7 p.m. MT. NM State will then wrap up its stretch of three consecutive nationally televised games when they visit FIU for a game on Tuesday, October 29, that will be shown on CBS Sports Network with kickoff set for 5 p.m. MT.

With the announcement, only the Aggies’ non-conference matchups against Fresno State and Texas A&M are still awaiting kickoff times and broadcast information.

The complete television schedule and game times for the Aggies’ 2024 season can be found below.

BOLD indicates home game

* indicates Conference USA opponent

(HC) indicates Homecoming Game

For complete coverage of the NM State football program, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics - and follow the Aggies on Facebook (NM State Football), Twitter (@NMStateFootball) and Instagram (@NMStateFB).

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - The national recognitions just keep piling up for NMSU freshman, Desirae Spearman.

Tuesday, the NMSU pitcher/utility player, and Hanks graduate was named to the Freshman All-American Team.

It's a recognition made by softballamerica.com.

Spearman had a phenomenal freshman season with the Aggies.

She hit a total of 18 home runs, 43 RBIs while maintaining a .366 batting average.

Spearman was also a force to be reckoned with inside the circle.

She went 8-4 on the season with a total of 75 strikeouts.

Spearman was instrumental in helping lead the Aggies to a 30-25 record and a appearance in the Conference USA Tournament.

Spearman graduated from El Paso's Hanks High School in 2023.

For all her accomplishments this season, Spearman is this week's Community Champions.

Community Champions is sponsored by Albertsons and the El Paso Community Foundation.

The post Community Champion: NMSU’s Desirae Spearman named to Freshman All-American Team appeared first on KVIA.

(Courtesy: NMSU Athletics)

RUSTON, Louisiana - The Aggies 2024 season comes to an end after losing 8-2 to the third seed Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in the second round of the Conference USA Championship tournament on Thursday, May 23, in Ruston, La.

The first season of the Angier era comes to an end with a final record of 25-29.

After both sides going scoreless in the first inning the game was delayed due to lighting for 45 minutes.

Solorzano led off the second inning with a leadoff walk. Solorzano then advanced to second on a ground out. Edwin Martinez-Pagani gave the Aggies the lead on his sixth double of the season to score Solorzano.

In the bottom of the third, Western Kentucky managed to tie the game up on an RBI fielder’s choice. The game remained tied until the bottom of the sixth inning when Western Kentucky took the lead.

With the bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth, the Hilltoppers hit a two RBI double to take a 3-1 lead over the Aggies.

With runners on third and second the next batter was walked to load the bases once again. They then hit a two RBI single up the middle to go up by four runs.

In the seventh, WKU led off the inning with back-to-back walks and a sac bunt to move the runners to second and third.

Solorzano fielded a ground ball at third base and tried to tag the runner on third but missed the runner and rushed his throw which was offline and allowed the runner on third to score.

They then got two more runs on a single to left center. These two runs were the last two runs that the Hilltoppers scored.

The Aggies were down by seven headed into the ninth. Damone Hale came into the game to pinch hit for Mitch Namie, he then walked and stole second.

Martinez-Pagani was the next Aggie up and he smacked a single to right-field to score Hale and give the Aggies their second and final run of the game.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Ballesteros went 2-3 with one RBI for his 13th multi-hit game of the season.
• Edwin Martinez-Pagani went 2-4 with two RBIs for his 10th multi-RBI game of the season and 10th multi hit game of the season.

For complete coverage of NM State Baseball, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateBaseball), Instagram (@NMStateBaseball) and like us on Facebook (NMState Baseball)

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(Courtesy: NMSU Athletics)

RUSTON, Louisiana - The Aggies lost 3-5 to the Dallas Baptist Patriots in the first round of the Conference USA Championship Tournament on Wednesday, May 22, in Ruston, La. Keith Jones II, Mitch Namie and Romeo Ballesteros recorded two hits apiece.

Hayden Walker earned the start for the Aggies and threw two scoreless innings. In the top of the third, Titus Dumitru opened the inning with his 15th double of the season.

Nick Gore followed the double up with a single, which put Dumitru on third.

Namie then hit an RBI single off the nub of his bat that just rolled down the third base line in fair territory.

DBU tied the game in the bottom of the third on an RBI single.

They then took the lead in the bottom of the fourth, on two RBI doubles and two RBI singles, to go up over the Aggies by four.

Kade Benavidez came into the game with one out in the fourth inning.

In the top of the sixth, the Aggies cut the deficit on a sacrifice fly, hit by Preston Godfrey which scored Namie who reached on a double.

Steve Solorzano was on second base when Ballesteros singled to right field scoring Solorzano to give the Aggies three runs.

Benavidez held the Patriots scoreless in his 3.2 innings of work, only giving up three hits and one walk with three strikeouts.

Treyjen Meza came onto the mound in the bottom of the eighth and only saw four batters as he hit one batter, struck one out, and retired the rest.

After the Aggies two runs in the sixth, they were unable to score any more runs but also held DBU to no runs scored after their four-run inning in the fourth.

With the loss the Aggies got bumped down into the losers’ bracket and will face the three seed Western Kentucky at 8 a.m. MT on Thursday, May 23.

The Aggies are 1-2 against Western Kentucky this season as the just wrapped up their three-game series last weekend.

The Aggies are now one loss away from their season ending. With the tournament being double elimination they will be able to fight their way back into a spot in the championship game as they will have to win the next three games.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• This was the Aggies fifth loss this season when they out-hit their opponent. They are now 21-5 when they out hit their opponent.
• Jones went 2-4 to notch 24 multi-hit games this season.
• Namie also went 2-4 at the plate for hist 16th multi-hit game of the season.
• Ballesteros went 2-4 with one RBI for his 12th multi-hit game of the season.
• Benavidez threw for 3.2 innings and struck out three Patriots for his new season high.
• Two of the three Aggies runs came on two outs.
• The Aggie Arms only allowed one two out hit.

UP NEXT:

The Aggies will play WKU on Thursday, May 23 at 8 a.m. MT, in the second round of the Conference USA Championship tournament. For complete coverage of NM State Baseball, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateBaseball), Instagram (@NMStateBaseball) and like us on Facebook (NMState Baseball)

The post NMSU baseball loses round one of CUSA Championship Tournament appeared first on KVIA.

DALLAS, Texas (KVIA) -- Keith Jones II, Titus Dumitru and Steve Solorzano all earned Conference USA honors for their performance during the regular season. Jones was named first team All-Conference, Dumitru earned second team All-Conference and Solorzano was named to the All-Freshman team.

Jones had a stellar year for the Aggies as he posted a team leading .371 batting average. Jones recorded 67 total RBIs for the Aggies along with 79 hits and 17 home runs which all led the team and second in the conference. Jones also recorded a slugging percentage of .728 and an OPS of 1.205 which are both top three in the conference.

Dumitru was arguably the Aggies biggest breakout star for the Aggies as he recorded a .343 batting average just behind Jones in the team ranking. Dumitru recorded 49 RBIs and 43 runs as the Aggies two-hole hitter. Dumitru recorded 59 hits with 14 doubles and 12 home runs for the Aggies.

The freshman out of Las Cruces, N.M., Solorzano, posted a .343 batting average on 105 at-bats for the Aggies. Solorzano missed 25 games due to an injury but still managed to make in impact on the season notching 18 RBIs and 36 hits.

For complete coverage of NM State Baseball, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateBaseball), Instagram (@NMStateBaseball) and like us on Facebook (NMState Baseball)

The post Jones, Dumitru and Solorzano all Earn Conference Honors appeared first on KVIA.

RUSTON, Louisiana (KVIA) -- The Aggies are set to play against the second seed Dallas Baptist in the first round of Conference USA Championship tournament on Wednesday, May 22, at 11:30 a.m. MT, in Ruston, La.

All-Conference Honors

Keith Jones II, Titus Dumitru and Steve Solorzano all earned Conference USA honors for their performance during the regular season. Jones was named first team All-Conference, Dumitru earned second team All-Conference and Solorzano was named to the All-Freshman team.

Jones had a stellar year for the Aggies as he posted a team leading .371 batting average. Jones recorded 67 total RBIs for the Aggies along with 79 hits and 17 home runs which all led the team and second in the conference. Dumitru was arguably the Aggies biggest breakout star for the Aggies as he recorded a .343 batting average just behind Jones in the team ranking. The freshman out of Las Cruces, N.M., Solorzano, posted a .343 batting average on 105 at-bats for the Aggies.

Versus Conference Foes

The Aggies have a team batting average of .302 against Conference USA opponents with Dumitru leading the way with a .375 batting average. The Aggies have recorded 186 runs on 253 hits. As a team the Aggies have hit 43 total home runs.

On the mound the Aggies have allowed 219 runs one 309 hits against conference foes. The Aggie arms have struck out 162 total batters on 204.2 innings pitched.

Keeping up with Jones

Keith Jones II had a stellar year for the Aggies, with a .371 batting average Jones is third in the conference. Jones has 79 hits on the season which puts him in second in the conference and top 50 in the nation.

With 67 runs, Jones leads Conference USA and 25th in the nation. Jones has recorded 67 RBIs, which is second in the conference and 29th in the nation. Jones has 155 total bases on the season which puts him 24th in the nation and first and in the conference. Jones also has 17 big flies on the season, putting him in second in CUSA.

Tournament Format

The Conference USA Championship Tournament is set up as a two-sided bracket with four teams on each side. It is a double elimination tournament. The Two winners of each side will face off against each other in a single game on Sunday, May 26.

The other three teams on the Aggies side of the bracket are DBU (2), WKU (3) and FIU (6). The Aggies being the seventh seed in the tournament will play against DBU in their first game of the tournament.

Across the Conference

1. Louisiana Tech, 18-6
2. DBU, 17-7
3. WKU, 15-9
4. Sam Houston, 13-11
5. Liberty, 11-13
6. FIU, 11-13
7. NM State, 10-14
8. MTSU, 8-16
9. Jax State, 5-19

UP NEXT:

This week the Aggies will compete for the CUSA title in the double elimination tournament starting at May 22, at 11:30 a.m. to Sunday, May 26. For complete coverage of NM State Baseball, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateBaseball), Instagram (@NMStateBaseball) and like us on Facebook (NMState Baseball)

The post NM State Opens CUSA Tournament Versus DBU appeared first on KVIA.

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- Following a historic 2023 campaign that saw NM State earn the Conference USA regular season crown with an unbeaten conference record (6-0-2) and an appearance in the CUSA Championship game, the Aggies look ahead to the next season, unveiling their 2024 schedule.

After playing host to a power conference opponent for the first time in last season’s contest with Arizona State, the Aggies will kick off the 2024 season with a home match against two-time national champion USC on Thursday, Aug. 15. The Lady Trojans will depart the Pac-12 and join the Big Ten over the summer, becoming the first of three programs from the Big Ten that NM State will see next season. In 2023, NM State traveled to Los Angeles for a bout with the Lady Trojans, falling by a score of 3-0.

The Battle of I-25 comes to Las Cruces for the first time since 2021 when the Aggies and Lobos face off from the NM State Soccer Complex on Sunday, Aug. 18. Last season, the Aggies fell to the Lobos by a score of 3-1 in Albuquerque, though notched a 1-0 victory in a spring contest in April.

NM State closes its opening week of competition with another Big Ten opponent coming to the City of Crosses, as the University of Oregon battles with the Aggies on Sunday, Aug. 22. In 2022, the Crimson & White opened their season with a 2-0 defeat to the Ducks in Eugene, Ore., before closing the year with an NCAA tournament appearance.

Closing the Aggies’ four-game homestand to begin 2024 is a match with Texas A&M-Commerce on Sunday, Aug. 24. The Lions are one of the newest programs to make the jump to Division I, joining the top level of NCAA competition in 2022.

The Aggies then play their first road game of the season on Thursday, Aug. 29, as they travel to take on the Pacific Tigers. NM State hosted the Tigers at the NM State Soccer Complex in 2023, coming away with a 3-1 victory.

Rounding out the Aggies’ matchups with power conference opponents in 2024, NM State will travel to newly appointed Big Ten member Washington on Sunday, Sept. 1, followed by a road matchup with Big 12 member Arizona on Thursday, Sept. 5.

Closing out the non-conference home slate is a matchup with the UC Davis Aggies on Sunday, Sept. 8., subsequently followed by the final out-of-conference road matchup with Gonzaga on Thursday, Sept. 12.

NM State looks to defend its Conference USA regular season crown beginning with a road matchup against Sam Houston on Thursday, Sept. 19. The two teams last met in the CUSA Championships semifinals, with the Crimson & White notching a decisive 2-0 victory. In the first of three weekends playing host to CUSA opponents, the Aggies will play matches against Western Kentucky on Thursday, Sept. 26, and Middle Tennessee on Sunday, Sept. 29.

The Aggies will next travel to the East Coast for matchups with FIU (Oct. 3) and Liberty (Oct. 6) during the longest road trip of the 2024 campaign before returning home for contests with Kennesaw State (Oct. 13) and Jax State (Oct. 19). Kennesaw State is the newest member of Conference USA, joining the conference this coming summer.

The final road matchup for the Aggies comes against LA Tech on Friday, Oct. 27, before a rivalry matchup with UTEP on Tuesday, Oct. 31.

Fans can purchase tickets through the Pan Am Ticket Office at 575-646-1420, or purchase tickets online when available.

For complete coverage of NM State Soccer, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics - and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateWSOC), Instagram (@NMStateWSOC), and like us on Facebook (NMStateWSOC).

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- El Paso native Desirae Spearman always had plans to play at the Division I level. 

However, adjusting to being a Division I athlete took her by surprise.

“I think it was definitely a learning experience," Spearman said. "I had a lot to learn. I started off kind of shaky with my time management. My biggest takeaway this year I would have to say is you can’t do it alone.”

The Hanks High School grad had to get acclimated to a new team but being close to home made the transition a lot less stressful.

“It plays a really big role for me having my family support behind my back," Spearman said. "It’s just good to be from El Paso. I love to represent my city. I love to represent my high school.”

NMSU’s head softball coach Kathy Rodolph was a familiar face to Spearman.

“I met Desirae when she was in the seventh grade when she started coming to camps," Rodolph said. "She had multiple offers to decide and I think I'm the benefactor of getting to know her young.”

Early in the season the true freshman came face to face with adversity. 

“It was really scary when she got the start of a stress fracture," Rodolph said.

“I think those four weeks I just became hungrier and hungrier to get out on the field," Spearman said. "I think once I did get on the field and started playing again I just took the opportunity and ran with it. I was never going to take it for granted again.”

Even after sitting out for four weeks during season, Spearman still collected six Conference USA Freshman of the week awards, First team pitcher and outfielder, All-tournament team, Freshman of the year, Player of the year and made the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division I National Freshman of the year top 25 list. 

“She would love to go on and get into the Olympics system and be able to play for the United States," Rodolph said. "I have no doubt that she’ll be just as hungry next year as she was this year.”

 “My goal is just to keep improving," Spearman said. "I just want a lot of wins and a lot of success for the next years to come.”

The post NMSU’S Standout Freshman: Desirae Spearman appeared first on KVIA.

BOWLING GREEN, Kentucky (KVIA) -- The Aggies lose 6-2 in regular season finale to Western Kentucky in Bowling Green, Ky. on May 18. All but two of the Aggie starters tallied one hit on the day.

Keith Jones II led off the game by reaching on a throwing error committed by WKUs shortstop. Catcher Nick Gore then gave the Aggies a 1-0 lead on an RBI double that scored Jones.

Freshman Steve Solorzano made his first start on the mound for the Aggies. He was only on the mound for one inning before moving to designated hitter, in the inning he went 1-2-3. Aaron Treloar was the next pitcher on the mound for the Aggies.

Treloar went two scoreless innings allowing just two hits. Kade Benavidez was the next Aggie arm on the mound. Benavidez went 2.1 innings only allowing two hits and no runs.

In the bottom of the sixth, Josh Sharman entered the game with a runner on second. Sharman hit his first batter that he faced to put two runners on. The next Western Kentucky batter hit a three-home run to take a two-run lead over the Aggies.

In the top of the seventh, the Aggies loaded the bases with three straight singles. Titus Dumitru drove in the Aggies second run of the game on a double play.

The Hilltoppers loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh on three straight walks with Brady Baltus on the mound. The runner on third managed to score on a failed pickoff attempt.

After a leadoff walk in the bottom of the eighth, Western Kentucky hit their second home run of the game to go up four runs over the Aggies. The Aggies headed into the final frame of the regular season and went three up, three down to end the game with the final score of 6-2.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Solorzano extended his hit streak to 12 games.
• Solorzano earned his first collegiate start on the mound.
• Six different Arms threw for the Aggies.

UP NEXT:

The Aggies are set to play Dallas Baptist on Wednesday, at 11:30 a.m. MT in Rustin, La. in the first round of the Conference USA Championship Tournament.. For complete coverage of NM State Baseball, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateBaseball), Instagram (@NMStateBaseball) and like us on Facebook (NMState Baseball)

The post Aggies Fall in Regular Season Finale against WKU, 6-2 appeared first on KVIA.

(Courtesy: NMSU Athletics)

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - Keith Jones II was named one of 68 collegiate baseball players on the Dick Howser Trophy Semifinalist by the NCBWA.

The Dick Howser Trophy is awarded to the nation’s top player of the year.

Jones is the fifth Aggie to be named a Dick Howser Trophy Semifinalist, following the likes of Joey Ortiz, Nick Gonzales, Ryan Kenning and Billy Becher.

Jones is one of the 13 outfielders listed on the list.

He is also one of five players from the Conference USA to be listed as a semifinalist.

Jones is currently leading the conference in home runs, on-base percentage, runs, RBIs and slugging percentage.

The Aggies will play Western Kentucky today, May 16, at 2 p.m. MT in a double header with the series finale being played on May 18, at noon MT. to close out regular season play.

The Dick Howser Trophy is given in memory of the former Florida State University All-America shortstop and major league player and manager who died of brain cancer in 1987.

The trophy is regarded as baseball's most prestigious award.

Criteria for consideration of the trophy include performance on the field, leadership, moral character and courage – all qualities that were exemplified by Dick Howser's life.

For complete coverage of NM State Baseball, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateBaseball), Instagram (@NMStateBaseball) and like us on Facebook (NMState Baseball)

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(Courtesy: NMSU Athletics)

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - Thursday, NM State football announced two future scheduled games with the University of Tulsa with the two programs taking part in a home-and-home series scheduled for 2025 and 2034.

NM State will first welcome the Golden Hurricane on Sept. 6, 2025, at Aggie Memorial Stadium before traveling to Tulsa, Okla., on Sept. 9, 2034, to meet on Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium.

The two institutions first met in 1946 and battled three times prior to the two becoming conference foes residing in the Missouri Valley Conference from 1971-82.

As a member of the MVC, NM State collided with Tulsa 10 times – defeating the Golden Hurricane only in 1978.

In total, Tulsa leads the overall series 15-4, however, the Aggies do hold the most recent victory as they defeated Tulsa 24-7 in 2001 under the leadership of Tony Samuel.

For complete coverage of the NM State football program, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics - and follow the Aggies on Facebook (NM State Football), Twitter (@NMStateFootball) and Instagram (@NMStateFB).

The post NMSU football: Aggies announce future meetings with Tulsa Golden Hurricane appeared first on KVIA.

(Courtesy: NMSU Athletics)

BOWLING GREEN, Kentucky – The Aggies are traveling to Kentucky to play conference foe Western Kentucky in final three game series of the 2024 regular season.

Game one will start on May 16 at 2 p.m. MT with the second game of the series starting 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one. The Series finale will be played on Saturday, May 18 at noon MT.

Titus Dumitru: Hot at the Plate

Dumitru has had an impressive run over the past ten games batting a team leading .465. In the last ten games, Dumitru has recorded eight homeruns, two more than Logan Gallina in that same span, and three doubles.

Dumitru has brought in a total of 19 runs for the Aggies which is also leading the team. With 43 at bats in the past ten games Dumitru has recorded 20 hits which leads the team by four hits. Dumitru has a slugging percentage of 1.093 and on-base percentage of .520.

Keeping up with Jones

Keith Jones II has had a stellar year so far, with a .387 batting average Jones is second in the conference. Jones has 77 hits on the season which puts him in second in the conference.

With 66 runs, Jones leads the conference and 16th in the nation. Jones has recorded 67 RBIs, which leads the conference and 19th in the nation. Jones has 153 total bases on the season which puts him 18th in the nation and first and in the conference. Jones also has 17 big flies on the season, putting him first in the conference.

Ticket Punched

The Aggies have clinched a spot in the 2024 Conference USA Baseball Championship tournament. In their first year as a part of the Conference USA the Aggies will be headed to Ruston, La. on May 22.

In the preseason coaches’ poll the Aggies were picked to finish in last place in the conference. There will be eight teams in the tournament with the winner of the tournament receiving an automatic bid to a NCAA regional.

Scouting the Hilltoppers

The Hilltoppers are batting .258 at the plate with their top hitter, Blake Cavil hitting .313. At the plate, WKU has recorded 36 home runs, with 88 doubles and 422 total hits on the season.

On the mound the Hilltoppers have a team ERA of 5.07. WKU only has one pitcher that meets the requirement of 1.0 IP/G and that is Jack Bennett who has an ERA of 5.43. The Hilltoppers have allowed 244 earned runs on 460 hits. 

Series History

The Aggies and Hilltoppers have played each other in 17 total games throughout program history. The Aggies currently hold the advantage with 11 wins and six losses. The Aggies are 3-3 in games played in Bowling Green, Ky.

These two teams first faced off against each other in 2001, Western Kentucky came to Presley Askew Field to play in a three-game series, WKU won all three games of the series. The last time they played was in 2005 in Las Cruces, the Aggies swept the Hilltoppers in three games.

Across the Conference

1. Louisiana Tech, 15-6
2. DBU, 15-6
3. WKU, 13-8
4. Liberty, 11-10
5. Sam Houston, 10-11
6. FIU, 11-13
7. NM State, 9-12
8. MTSU, 7-14
9. Jax State, 5-16

UP NEXT:

The Aggies will play WKU May 16, at 5 p.m. MT, game two will start 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one and May 18, at noon MT.  The Aggies will then head to Ruston, La. to play in the Conference USA Tournament starting May 22. For complete coverage of NM State Baseball, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateBaseball), Instagram (@NMStateBaseball) and like us on Facebook (NMState Baseball)

The post NMSU baseball travels to WKU for final series of regular season appeared first on KVIA.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- All good things come to an end. Competing on day three of the Conference USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships from Larry K. Durham Track at Kidd Field, NM State returned to action on Sunday with several strong performances.

Terice Steen became the second CUSA Champion of the weekend for the Aggies after taking gold in the 400m hurdles, and Aliyah Logan took the lone silver medal finish of the day in the 100m hurdles. Cameron Hodges, Thulisile Amon, Mickaliliah Vassell and the 4x400 relay team rounded out the podium finishes for the Crimson & White with all taking bronze. 

Top-Eight Finishes

- Terice Steen, 400m Hurdles, 57.90 (1^st)

- Aliyah Logan, 100m Hurdles, 12.98m (2^nd)

- Terice Steen, Jahnya Hill, Jhana Downie, Micakliliah Vassell, 4x400 relay, 3:38.92 (3^rd)

- Cameron Hodges, Triple Jump, 12.46m (3^rd)

- Thulisile Amon, 800m, 2:10.12 (3^rd)

- Mickaliliah Vassell, 400m Hurdles, 1:01.28 (3^rd)

- Thobile Amon, 1500m, 4:34.14 (4^th)

- Jhana Downie, 400m, 54.13 (4^th)

- Jhana Downie, 200m, 23.25 (4^th)

- Maggie Gibbs, 5000m, 17:13.89 (5^th)

- Emily Stutesman, 5000m, 17:21.98 (6^th)

- Ladina Kobler, Discus, 46.09m (7^th)

- Thobile Amon, 5000m, 17:58.22 (8^th)

- Breanna Moss, Triple Jump, 11.83m (8^th)

Track Headlines

The 4x100 relay team of Sierra Brewer, Jhana Downie, Grace Pendarvis, Aliyah Logan posted the second-fastest time in the event, though they were ultimately disqualified after a stumble at the finish line.

Battling through illness, Thobile Amon posted a fourth-place result in the 1500m finals, posting a time of 4:34.14 seconds to tally five points towards the NM State total.

Aliyah Logan recorded an all-conditions best of 12.98 (+4.3 m/s) in the 100m hurdles, taking home second place behind UTEP’s Marissa Simpson. This became the first time Logan had broken the 13-second mark.

Thulisile Amon closed her NM State career with a bronze medal finish in the 800m run, recording a time of 2:10.12.

The 400m hurdles proved to be the most impactful event on the final day of competition as a trio of Aggies finished in the top eight, spearheaded by senior Terice Steen. Steen took home the gold medal after recording an NM State best of 57.90. The Jamaican native posted a time of 57.64 in the JAAA National Championships this past July.

Returning from injury, Mickaliliah Vassell took the bronze medal after crossing the line with a time of 1:01.28, while Breanna Moss took fifth with a mark 1:03.27. In total, the Crimson & White tallied 20 points in the event.

Competing in a quartet of events on the final day of competition, Jhana Downie recorded a pair of fourth place finishes in the 200m dash (23.25) and the 400m dash (54.13).

The 5000m run saw the largest collection of Aggies in the same event on the final day of action, with seven NM State student-athletes in total. Maggie Gibbs paced the team with a fifth-place finish, posting a time of 17:13.89. Emily Stutesman recorded a time of 17:21.98 to finish sixth overall, while Thobile Amon put a cap on her Crimson & White career after posting an eighth-place result with a time of 17:58.22.

Closing the Aggies’ time at the 2024 CUSA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, the 4x400 relay team of Terice Steen, Jahnya Hill, Jhana Downie and Mickaliliah Vassell recorded a podium finish, taking third with a final time of 3:38.92.

Field Headlines

Opening the last day of competition with the discus, Ladina Kobler became the lone Aggie to advance to the finals after recording a mark of 43.94 meters (144-02) in prelims. In the finals, the freshman from Amriswil, Switzerland posted a new personal best with a mark of 46.09m (151-2”) to take seventh overall – her second personal best of the weekend following Saturday’s hammer throw.

In the triple jump, Cameron Hodges became the first Aggie to record a podium finish on Sunday, taking third place with an all-conditions best of 12.46m (40-10.5”). Joining Hodges in the finals was Breanna Moss, taking eighth overall with a mark of 11.83m (38-9.75”). Moss, a junior from the Bahamas, has not competed in the event since her time at Miami Northwestern HS.

2023 CUSA Outdoor Track & Field Championships – Final Standings

1. Liberty – 177.7 pts.

2. UTEP – 138 pts.

3. NM State – 119 pts.

4. MTSU – 104.2 pts.

5. FIU – 96.2 pts.

6. LA Tech– 86 pts.

7. Jax State – 38 pts.

8. WKU – 28.4 pts.

9. Sam Houston– 25.5 pts.

Up Next

Despite closing the regular season as a track & field team, the Aggies have several student-athletes set to participate in the NCAA West first round, hosted by the University of Arkansas at John McDonnell Field. The first round will begin Wednesday, March 22 and run through Saturday, March 25.

Should any NM State student-athletes place in the top 12 during the first round, they would then advance to the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. The Championships will be hosted by the University of Oregon at Hayward Field from Wednesday, June 5 through Saturday, June 8. The last member of the Crimson & White to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships was Kayli Farmer, a javelin thrower who took home Second Team All-America honors in 2017.

For complete coverage of NM State Track & Field, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics - and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateXCTF), Instagram (@NMStateXCTF), and like us on Facebook (NMStateTrackXC).

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FORT WORTH, Texas (KVIA) -- The Aggies earn their second win over a power five opponent this season in the 9-5 victory over TCU on May 11, in Fort Worth, Texas. The Aggies recorded nine hits in the ball game with Titus Dumitru being responsible for three hits, including two home runs.

In the top of the first the Aggies jumped out to an early lead thanks to a solo home run hit by Dumitru, his 10th home run of the season.

In the top of the second, Austin Corbett hit an RBI double that scored Mitch Namie who reached on a leadoff walk. After back-to-back walks Dumitru mashed his second homer of the day to put the Aggies up six.

The Aggies held the Horned Frogs scoreless in the first two frames. In the top of the third the Aggies managed to load the bases on a walk and back-to-back singles. Romeo Ballesteros then singled through the left side to score two runs for the Aggies which put them up eight.

Cade Swenson earned the start for the Aggies and threw three scoreless innings only allowing two hits with one strikeout. Hayden Walker came into relief for the Aggies in the bottom of the fourth.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Horned Frogs added two runs on two RBI singles. They continued scoring in the bottom of the sixth, scoring on an RBI single, a sacrifice fly and a throwing error, which shortened the Aggies lead to three runs.

In the top of the eighth Dumitru knocked in Edwin Martinez-Pagani who reached on a double. This was Dumitru’s sixth RBI of the game, his most of the season. This was the last run the Aggies scored in the game to secure their second win against a power five opponent.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Dumitru went 3-6 with two homers and six RBIs for his 18th multi-hit game of the season and eighth multi-RBI game of the season.
• Ballesteros recorded to RBIs for his seventh multi-RBI game of the season.
• The Aggies batted .400 with runners in scoring position.
• Eight of the nine runs the Aggies scored were two-out RBIs.

UP NEXT:

The Aggies will play in the series finale against TCU on Sunday, May 12 at noon MT. For complete coverage of NM State Baseball, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateBaseball), Instagram (@NMStateBaseball) and like us on Facebook (NMState Baseball)

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