Box Score

DURANGO, Colo. — Western New Mexico (14-11 overall, 10-6 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) defeated a spirited Fort Lewis (5-19, 2-14) squad in four sets tonight in Whalen Gymnasium, winning 25-18, 21-25, 25-20, 25-18.

“I'm proud of the effort tonight,” said eighth-year FLC head coach Shelly Aaland. “They chose to battle and that says a lot about a team at this point in the season.”

The loss overshadowed a tremendous effort by FLC senior outside hitter Jessica Wilson, who had 19 kills and a .283 hitting efficiency.

“That's the best match Jessica has had this season,” said Aaland.

Freshman outside Ashley Wells added 17 kills and 12 digs, while freshman right side hitter Stephanie Sonka notched 10 kills and five blocks.

As a team, the Skyhawks dominated the net at times, registering 10 total blocks to six for the Mustangs. Sophomore Taylor Frederking led the way with six blocks (two solo).

Fort Lewis also received spirited defense from sophomore Hannah Starbuck, who stepped into the libero role two weeks ago when regular starter Jenna Kinzer went down with a back injury. Starbuck led all players with 25 digs.

Western New Mexico relied on strong performances by Ziona Verhulsdonk, who had 18 kills and 14 digs. Angelina Pulu added 17 kills in the victory, while setter Alyssa Melhack had 46 assists and 13 digs.

The Skyhawks debuted their pink jerseys for Pink Digs for a Cure Night. The event, coupled with other Pink Digs games hosted by Miller Middle School, Ignacio High School, and Durango High School earlier this month, helped raise more than $29,000 for the Women's Health Coalition's Emergency Scholarship Fund for local, in-treatment cancer patients.

In the five-year history of the local Pink Digs program, nearly $100,000 has been raised.

“I'm glad we had an opportunity to wrap up the Pink Digs this year, with over $29,000 raised for the cause,” said Aaland. “(Event organizer) Terene Foutz is a force of nature and I'm very grateful to be involved with her events.”

Each of the Skyhawks dedicated the game to someone who is or has battled breast cancer. Many of the players have relatives who are survivors or are battling cancer.

Freshman setter Ciara Krening, who distributed 48 assists in the game, dedicated it to her grandmother, whose “battle against breast cancer taught em what it truly means to be fearless.”

“I am truly inspired by the courage and strength of everyone that has been affected by cancer,” said Wilson. “It is an honor to play this game for them.”

“I am inspired by their courage and bravery,” Sonka said “of the strong women who have defeated breast cancer and all of those who are fighting through it.”

Fort Lewis continues its season-ending home stand at 7 p.m. Tuesday when it hosts Colorado Mesa (10-16, 5-11). FLC wraps up the 2011 campaign at 7 p.m. next Friday when Adams State (16-8, 10-6) visits Whalen Gymnasium.

With tonight's loss, the Skyhawks were mathematically eliminated from RMAC playoff contention.