LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic last season, the Aggie women's golf program is back to resume its Western Athletic Conference title defense.

Head coach Danny Bowen announced the squad's spring 2021 schedule on Monday. The campaign includes a season-opening dual match at Pepperdine, followed by four regular-season tournaments before the WAC Championship takes place in mid-April.

NM State captured its fifth WAC title in six years during the 2018-19 campaign, but was unable to repeat as back-to-back champions last year due to the pandemic-shortened season. Head coach Danny Bowen said the Aggies, as a result, have more motivation than ever.

"We're really looking forward to getting back to competition," Bowen said. "It's been a long time coming, but I know our girls have been doing their best to stay sharp.

"The pandemic has forced all of us to adjust, focus and hold each other accountable so that we can remain ready to compete at a high level. I know that our team will definitely appreciate the opportunity that they're given each tournament after seeing how quickly it all can be put on pause."

The Aggies tee off the season at the Moorpark Dual Match on Feb. 26 in Moorpark, Calif., at Moorpark Country Club. New Mexico State will go head-to-head against Pepperdine in the one-day event.

NM State begins March with a bang, competing in two tournaments within the first nine days of the month. The Aggies will head to the Bruin Wave Invitational, co-hosted by Pepperdine and UCLA, from March 1-3 at The Saticoy Club in Somis, Calif. 

A quick turnaround has the team returning to action only a few days later. New Mexico State competes in the Wildcat Invitational, hosted by Arizona, from March 8-9 at Sewailo Golf Club in Tucson, Ariz.

Bowen's squad tied for second at last season's Wildcat Invitational, firing a four-over-par 868 overall to secure the runner-up finish. Freshman Alex Quihuis, a Tucson, Ariz., native, led the way with a top-ten individual finish, tying for sixth at two-under 214 overall.

The Aggies are idle for nearly a month before heading to the Cowgirl Classic, hosted by Wyoming, from April 5-6 at Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, Ariz. The regular season then comes to an end at the Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational, hosted by in-state foe New Mexico, from April 11-12 at UNM Championship Golf Course in Albuquerque, N.M.

"Our spring schedule will give us the ability to prepare against some strong opponents so that we are confident heading into the postseason," Bowen said. "Staying safe and healthy will continue to be our top priority so that we can all remain on the course."

The postseason begins with the WAC Championship at Boulder Creek Golf Club in Boulder City, Nev. NM State will look to claim its sixth conference title in eight years during the three-day tournament, which runs from April 19-21.

Should the Aggies qualify, the NCAA Regional Championship is set for May 10-12 at a location to be announced. The NCAA Championship takes place from May 21-26 at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz.

New Mexico State last qualified for the regional tournament during the 2018-19 campaign, claiming a 16th-place team finish (61-over-par 925) at the NCAA Cle Elum regional. Then-junior Pun Chanachai tied for 44th with an overall score of seven-over-par 223.

For complete coverage of New Mexico State women's golf, follow us on Twitter (@NMStateWGolf), Instagram (@NMStateWGolf) and like us on Facebook (@NMStateWGolf).