ST. GEORGE, Utah – February 7, 2016 – The Fort Lewis College softball team nearly upset the second ranked team in the nation Sunday afternoon, but a huge seventh inning by Dixie State University dissolved the upset. The Skyhawks lost to the Red Storm, 8-4, after dropping a 13-2, five inning decision earlier in the day to #22 West Texas A&M University.
FLC went 1-4 at the season opening Dixie State University Invitational.
In the opening game of the day, the Skyhawks were down early, 3-0, after the first inning to the Buffaloes.
FLC cut the lead in the bottom of the second with two runs.
Nikki Klepfer hit a single to center field to drive home
Denae Fisher. The next batter,
Lauren Caldwell, grounded into a double play but was able to score
Mandy Owens, who was pinch running for
Tehenia Telliano who reached base on a single.
West Texas A&M jumped to an 11-2 lead in the top of the fourth after scoring eight runs on six hits, including a grand slam. The Buffs sealed the win in the fifth inning with two runs to record a 13-2 five inning win.
The Skyhawks recorded five hits against West Texas.
Rachelle Foos started her first game of the season in the circle, allowing 10 runs on seven hits in 3.2 innings of work.
FLC finished the day facing host school No. 2 Dixie State University.
With two outs in the top of the third inning,
Adriana Rosthenhausler reached base on a throwing error. The next batter
Angelique Elemen, hit a home run to left field to give the Skyhawks a 2-0 lead.
FLC expanded their lead to 4-0 in the top of the fourth inning.
Robyn Young crossed home plate on a throwing error before a WTAMU pitching change. With the bases loaded, Elemen drew a walk to bring in
Lauren Caldwell.
Leading 4-3 heading into the bottom of the seventh, the Skyhawks allowed five runs on three hits, including another grand slam to secure the win.
The Skyhawks will travel to Canyon, Texas Feb. 12-14 for six non-conference games against West Texas A&M University, Cameron, Eastern New Mexico University, Texas Woman's University, Angelo State University and Lubbock Christian University.
