FULLERTON, Calif. — NM State (1-8-0) found the back of the net twice for the first time this season but came up just short in a 3-2 loss to Cal State Fullerton on Thursday night at Titan Stadium.

The Aggies answered an early Fullerton goal in the ninth minute when Ariana Leamons buried a finish off a feed from Bianca Chacon and Ainsleigh Thomson. After the Titans regained the lead later in the first half, NM State pushed back in the second as Jena Johannes pulled one back in the 85th minute.

Goalkeeper Valerie Guha once again anchored the defense with five saves, marking another outing where the Crimson and White produced more saves than their opponent. The Aggies totaled nine shots, including four on goal, and three corner kicks but couldn't find the equalizer in the closing minutes.

Despite the setback, NM State highlighted several positives, including improved finishing, the debut of Esme Arenas as an Aggie player, and the team's ability to generate multiple goals for the first time this season. The team will aim to carry that momentum forward as it continues its non-conference stretch and prepares for league play.

Up next, NM state will travel to Long Beach as they look to wrap up the non-conference season against the Beach on Sunday, September 14, at 1 p.m. MT.

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