DALLAS – November 14, 2014 – A 23-point second half lead by the Fort Lewis College women's basketball team was cut down to three points Friday night as time ran out at the University of Dallas.  The Skyhawks earned a 56-53 season opening win to start the season 1-0. 
 
UD went on a 19-6 run late in the second half to cut the lead to three points. The contest is an exhibition game for the Lady Crusaders.
 
Kate Bays recorded 14 points to lead the Skyhawks offensively. She also tallied a team high three steals.  Mary Brinton chipped in 10 points, four rebounds and a steal, and Dallas Dickerson notched nine points and three assists.
 
The Skyhawks struggled from the lines, making 2-of-16 from behind the arc and 10-of-16 from the charity stripe. 
 
Marleyna Bustamante of UDallas led all scorers with 16 points.
 
Fort Lewis will travel to Austin, Texas to face St. Edward's University Saturday night at 5 p.m. (MT).