Fort Lewis 89, CSU Pueblo 55

With five games still left to go, the second best team in the nation, the Skyhawk women have clinched the RMAC West division title for the third time in the last four seasons, by beating rival CSU Pueblo at Whalen Gymnasium on Friday.

With the 89-55 victory, the Skyhawks won their 18th win in a row, and bolster their RMAC record to 14-0, 21-1 overall. What gives the win even more weight is that the Skyhawks beat the Thunderwolves by 34 points, improving over their five point win over CSU Pueblo two weeks ago on the road.

All in all, the Skyhawks are playing their best basketball as the season progresses.

“We certainly played better this time (against CSU Pueblo), especially with our defensive effort” said Fort Lewis head coach Mark Kellogg. “The difference was in the three point shooting (by CSU Pueblo), they only shot four in tonight, while last time they shot in ten, that's 18 points right there.”

Three point shooting ended up being a major factor in the Fort Lewis win, with the Skyhawks shooting 11 of 21 beyond the arc, and CSU Pueblo shooting 4 of 27.

Shooting has become the key success over the course of the season for the Skyhawks, and gain they shot over 50 percent for the game from the field.

Alison Rosel and Laura Haugen led the way in scoring for the Skyhawks, with 16 and 15 points respectively, with Haugen putting in three from long distance as well.

“It's what we always say, we give up the good shot for the great shot. We pass it until we get an open look and we have shooters that can make those shots” said Kellogg.

On more than one occasion a Skyhawk possession will end with a successful shot without more than one or two dribbles from a single player, the ball movement has been essential to their impeccable shooting. Much was the same on Friday night, as possessions would finish with points but without a single dribble.

It has been unselfish play that has led the Skyhawks to the number two ranking in the nation, and that will have to continue through the end of the regular season into the post season tournaments.

The Skyhawks will face New Mexico Highlands University tonight at 6pm at Whalen Gymnasiums while also playing for a cause larger than the game. Fort Lewis will don the pink jerseys tonight, before auctioning them off to raise money for Breast Cancer awareness, and the fans in attendance are encouraged to wear pink clothing for the cause.