Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
PORTALES — First-year Eastern New Mexico University women’s soccer coach Abbey Barnum is welcoming nine new members to the squad this fall, including a pair of Clovis High grads, as the Greyhounds prepare to return to action for the first time since 2019, prior to the coronavirus pandemic.
Midfielder Danielle Griego and forward Madison Lynch were key players for the Lady Wildcats in recent seasons and both were three-time All-District 4-5A selections. Griego led the district in assists in 2019, while Lynch paced Clovis in scoring each of those three campaigns, scoring 60 goals in 60 matches.
Other players joining the squad are forwards Alda Terrado Montoliu of Barcelona, Spain and Bizzy Canada of Plano, Texas; midfielders Sierra Villanueva of Aztec and Marianna Zevallos of Dallas, and defenders Elita Casias of Phoenix; Kennedy Ward of Olathe, Kan. and Sofia Trejo of Albuquerque.
“We have a strong, talented signing class this year that will mesh with our returners,” Barnum said. “(They) are going to come in and make an impact right away.”
Three of the signees are transfers — Montoliu, who came from Lincoln Memorial University; Canada, who played previously at Division I Arkansas-Little Rock, and Ward, who was at Coffeyville (Kan.) CC.
Barnum said she’s optimistic all nine players can be contributors.
“I believe this group will represent ENMU and our soccer program in a positive light both on and off the field,” she said. “I look forward to having them on campus this fall and getting started with our season.”
The Hounds are slated to open the season at home on Sept. 2 with a noon matchup against Colorado State-Pueblo at Greyhound Stadium.