Box Score

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - Elena Benavides and Emma Cannis scored goals as the No. 12 Fort Lewis College women's soccer team defeated Mesa State College 2-0 today in a tightly-contested game at Walker Field.

"Mesa's good — much better than their record (2-4-1 overall, 0-3-0 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference)," said fourth-year head coach Damian Clarke. "They had the run of the game for long periods of the first half."

Still, the opportunistic Skyhawks (6-1-0, 2-1-0) turned a pretty passing play into a goal at 14:03 when Benavides found the back of the net off a pass from Erika Shisler. Sara Egbom, who was awarded the second assist on the goal, started the play by feeding Benavides in the middle. Benavides found Shisler, who heeled a pass back to Benavides.

"The first goal was fantastic," said Clarke. "We only had one, maybe two good movements in the first half."

The Skyhawks came out strong after halftime. "In the second half we played completely different," said Clarke. "We were comfortable and played really well with the ball."

Cannis added insurance at 75:17 on a goal that was assisted by Shisler — her fourth helper in as many games. Benavides also factored into the play, dummying Shisler's pass. "Emma finished it for her first collegiate goal," Clarke said.

Christine Schmelzle made four saves to notch her fourth shutout of the season and received help throughout the match from a strong defense.

Clarke praised the play of freshman Madyson Wellcome, who moved to a central defender role against Mesa State. "Madyson turned in one of the best defensive performances we've had all year," he said.

Alicia Kahler stopped four shots for Mesa State.

After five straight road games, the Skyhawks return to the friendly confines of Dirks Field for home contests against UC-Colorado Springs (4-2-0, 1-1-0) at 3:30 p.m. Friday and Adams State (3-4-0, 2-1-0) at 1 p.m. Sunday.