By Jarra Gojolo — Staff Writer
Last week the Spartans snuck into the battle. This week they face a three-headed monster.
The San Jose State Spartans (7-8-4, 5-4-2 MW) face the New Mexico State Lobos (10-7-1, 6-4-1 MW) in the first round of the Mountain West women’s soccer tournament on Nov. 5.
But it took a little “Mile High” magic for the Spartans to make it into the Mountain West tourney.
Last season’s Mountain West champions were on the verge of missing the conference tournament altogether. With one game left in the season, the Spartans saw themselves just below Air Force in the conference standings.
With Air Force losing earlier in the day to Colorado College, all they needed was a win on senior night against Fresno State to seal their ticket into the tourney.
And win they did.
Leading the Spartans into battle is Mountain West Defensive Player Of The Year Kristen Amarikwa, who led the team in minutes and goals.
Goalkeeper Ariana Romero was second in the Mountain West with seven clean sheets this season.
The Lobos were fourth in the Mountain West this season with 28 goals scored, spearheaded by the attacking trio of Jadyn Edwards, Leilani Baker and Gwen Maly. The three scored six goals apiece on their way to being named to the Mountain West’s all-conference second team this season.
SJSU won the last matchup between the two on Oct. 25, with Amarikwa and Jennifer Orozco scoring for the Spartans in Albuquerque.
The winner of Tuesday’s game faces #1 Boise State on Thursday, Nov. 7.
Follow Jarra on Twitter @JarraGojolo