DURANGO, CO - November 15, 2007 - The Fort Lewis College women's basketball team defeated the visiting Zias of Eastern New Mexico 78-64 tonight in the first game of the season for both teams.

The Skyhawks led 43-39 at the half after leading by as many as 12 with 6:31 left in the first. The Zias cut the lead to just one 3-minutes into the second half, but the Skyhawks held on to their first win of the season, while leading by as many as 17 with 28-second left.

Allison Rosel (Colorado Springs, CO/Doherty) led all scorers with 19 points in the season opener. The sophomore added a team-high eight rebounds, while going a perfect 6-for-6 from the line.

Lauren Redfern (Carbondale, CO/Basalt) went 6-for-10 for 16 points. Laura Haugen (Fort Collins, CO/Poudre) was the only other Skyhawks in double-figures with 14.

Fort Lewis out rebounded Eastern New Mexico 41 to 33 and shot 10% better from the floor. Fort Lewis' 25 assists was 11 better then the Zias, while the teams were almost even in steals.

The Skyhawks return to action Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. against Dixie State College in the Whalen Athletic Center. For live stats of Saturday's game, click here.

Box Score