January 2, 2010.  Portales, NM. -  The #7 Fort Lewis Women's Basketball team was able to pull away from Eastern New Mexico University earlier this afternoon to win 70-53 and capture their fifth consecutive victory and improve to 13-1 overall and 3-1 in the RMAC. Eastern NM dropped to 5-8 on the season.

The first half brought several lead changes between the two teams but at the 4:43 mark, two Laura Haugen free throws gave the Hawks' a 31-21 advantage. By the close of the first half Fort Lewis had managed to maintain a 10-point lead (38-28), compliments to a tough defense and a jumper by Abby Jackson at the buzzer. 

The first five minutes of the second half was all Fort Lewis as they went up by 14 points on a fast break jumper by senior Audrey George. Over the next seven minutes the Skyhawks would continue to stretch their lead with buckets by Allison Rosel, Katie Mackey and Dana Schreibvogel. Fort Lewis had a stifling defense, forcing 12 turnovers in the second half. Fort Lewis took its' biggest lead of the game with 1:36 left (70-51) when Jackson hit her fourth three of the game.

Fort Lewis shot 49% from the field and an impressive 45% from three. The Skyhawks were led by Rosel and Jackson who both finished with 16. George finished the game with 8 boards and 8 points. Haugen tallied 6 points and dished out 6 assists. Eastern New Mexico was led by Cat Clay who recorded 11 points.

Fort Lewis will be taking on #16 West Texas A&M (13-1 overall) who are coming off three wins in Hawaii. To watch the game live or listen live, click on the following link, then find media information on the left side of the page.

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wtam/sports/w-baskbl/auto_pdf/weekly-release.pdf

Box Score