Box Score

DURANGO, Colo. — No. 3 Fort Lewis (14-0 overall, 9-0 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) set a school record for fewest points allowed against an NCAA Division II opponent in beating Western New Mexico (0-14, 0-10) 86-27 tonight in women's basketball action in Whalen Gymnasium.

The previous school record for fewest points allowed against a Division II foe was 32 in a 69-32 win vs. UC-Colorado Springs on Feb. 18, 2002. The Skyhawks allowed just 33 points last night in a 66-33 victory against New Mexico Highlands.

“Aside from the first 10 minutes, our effort was really good on defense,” said sixth-year head coach Mark Kellogg. “We forced some turnovers which led to some easy baskets.”

Fort Lewis forced 35 turnovers which led to 29 points. The Skyhawks also held the Mustangs to an icy .143 from the field (seven of 49) and .100 from long range (two of 20).

The first nine minutes presented some anxious moments, though, for the unbeaten Skyhawks. A fastbreak layup by Jaleesa Russell helped WNMU trim the lead to 10-6, forcing a 30-second timeout by Kellogg.

From that point forward, FLC's defense tightened up while the offense worked the ball inside. The Mustangs went scoreless for the final 8:48 of the first frame as FLC built a 37-11 halftime lead.

In fact, the Mustangs scored just three points — a Christa Kennedy three-pointer early in the second half — during a 18:50 stretch that ended on a Lauren Wells free throw with 9:58 remaining in the game.

The easy victory meant big minutes for the Skyhawk bench. Starting forward Mary Rose Paiz, who suffered a mild ankle injury in last night's win over New Mexico Highlands, didn't dress for the game, while senior point guard Abby Jackson was limited to just 15 minutes.

“The other kids got some opportunities and took advantage of them,” said Kellogg.

Still, Jackson moved into the second spot all-time in career assists at Fort Lewis College. Her four helpers in tonight's game give her 336 for her career, two more than former teammate Laura Haugen (334, 2006-10) and 19 behind Carrie Gomer (357, 1982-86).

Each of the 10 Skyhawks who dressed scored. Fort Lewis was led by Dana Schreibvogel (15 points, five rebounds, four assists, four steals), Jenna Santistevan (14 points, six rebounds, three assists) and Erika Richards (11 points).

Russell was the lone Mustang to score in double figures with 12 points.

The Skyhawks have three school record streaks going for them: most wins to start a season (14), most consecutive home court victories (39, from Feb. 29, 2008 to present) and most consecutive road victories (12, January 8, 2010 to present).

Fort Lewis hits the road for a pair of league contests next weekend. The Skyhawks face Colorado Christian (9-3, 8-1) at 6 p.m. Friday in Lakewood, followed by Colorado Mines (7-7, 3-6) at 6 p.m. Saturday in Golden.

“We should have some momentum to take with us on the road,” said Kellogg.