LAS VEGAS, N.M. - On Tuesday, Julissa Rodriguez was named the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference player of the year. On Wednesday, she validated that selection by scoring a goal and assisting on three others to lead the New Mexico Highlands Cowgirls to a 4-1 playoff victory over the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs at Perkins Stadium.

Kristin Preble scored for the Mountain Lions, whose season ended with an 8-10-1 record. Senior Jennifer Joern got the assist.

New Mexico Highlands advances to the RMAC semifinals on Friday in Durango. The third-seeded Cowgirls will face No. 2 seed Regis.

Preble's goal was her ninth of the season, a new UCCS record. The previous record for the third-year program was six by Preble in 2008.

The Cowgirls opened the scoring just 30 seconds into the match as Tierra Saban converted a pass by Rodriguez. Highlands made it 2-0 in the 56th minute as Britney Cottrell scored with assists by Rodriguez and Krista Mashak.

Preble's goal at the 58:41 mark cut the deficit in half, where it remained until the 71st minute. Rodriguez's goal at that point made it 3-1.

Highlands added a final goal with 2:32 remaining. Heidi Nakoaka scored with assists by Amanda Piho and Rodriguez.