The Mountain West got underway last weekend and saw the league favorites register big wins. New Mexico traveled to Colorado State and posted a 57-7 victory, while DI spring finalist BYU shut out Air Force 76-0.

“It’s a big win, but I don’t want to read too much into it,” BYU coach Tom Waqa explained. “Air Force is in its rebuilding process, and [new] coach Amy Rusert has done a decent job with what she has. We’ll take on this season one game at a time.”

All eyes were on Eagle Jordan Gray, who didn’t disappoint. The veteran scored three first-half tries before being subbed out in the second period. Justina Grubb was equally impressive in the first 40, dotting down two tries, while freshman Leti Hingano touched down her first score as a Cougar. The Women’s Junior All American rounded out her debut performance with a hat trick.

Emily Briggs’ try put BYU ahead 48-0 at the break, and freshman Eternity Tenney and Ali Smith were among the new try-scorers in the second half.

“It was a team effort for us, with the back line enjoying quality ball delivered by a dominant forward pack,” Waqa said. “I love what I saw from the new freshmen and recruits. Our new and returning players intermixed well to put on a fine performance. Air Force players were playing above their weight, and I commend the Cadets for staying on even though it appeared to be an upward battle for them, from the beginning.”

In all likelihood, the Oct. 17 match between BYU and New Mexico will determine the top seed in the Mountain West. The Lobos have had a knack for disrupting BYU's perfect league season, but it has been the Cougars that have triumphed in the playoffs.

The Lobos looked tough against Colorado State and relied on its dominant scrum to disrupt the Rams' fluidity and gain more possession. New Mexico stayed in good form with six rookies starting and another four rotating onto the pitch in the second half.

But it was the well known players - captains Emma and Brawley McCaslin, Tanya Aragon, and Brittany Salazar - who had multi-try games and led the team to victory.

Stay tuned as the season unfolds. Colorado gets into the mix this Saturday and takes on Colorado State to highlight the weekend fixtures.