Women's basketball welcomes Eagles to Whalen for home opener

11/16/2023 11:00:00 AM

By: Angela Roberts, Assistant AD-Communications

DURANGO, Colo. – The Fort Lewis College women's basketball team will welcome Northern New Mexico University to Whalen Gymnasium for its home opener this week, taking on the Eagles on Friday and Saturday.

Last Time Out
The Skyhawks faced a pair of Lone Star Conference opponents during opening weekend. First, the team took on Eastern New Mexico in its season opener. In the 78-57 loss, the Skyhawks shot 32.2 percent (19-of-59) from the field compared to a 54.1 percent (33-of-61) mark for the Greyhounds. Fort Lewis dropped in 16 free throws versus eight for ENMU. The teams combined for 58 turnovers on the afternoon.

Senior Kelsey Sorenson led the team with 13 points, followed by redshirt junior Lilly Pepper who debuted with nine. Junior Samantha Wattawa contributed eight points and tied for a team lead with seven rebounds. Junior Sydney Bevington rounded things out with seven points and seven boards.

The following day, Fort Lewis faced Western New Mexico and ultimately fell by a 69-60 final score. Skyhawks shot 37.7 percent (20-of-53) from the field while connecting on just two three-pointers for the contest. The team was 18-of-20 from the free-throw line. The Mustangs shot 43.3 percent (26-of-60) from the field and dropped in 13 free throws. Fort Lewis was out-rebounded 38-32 but came away with 12 steals—double the mark for the Mustangs.

Scouting Northern New Mexico
The Eagles own a 3-0 record after picking up wins against Benedictine University Mesa and University of the Southwest. Statistics are not available for Northern New Mexico at this time. The roster consists of 10 juniors, one sophomore, and five freshmen. The majority of the student-athletes hail from New Mexico.

The Skyhawks are 12-0 all-time against the Eagles, and the streak includes an 80-70 win in last year's home meeting. Billy led all players with 18 points in the win, followed by Tayla Nez who contributed nine.

Around the RMAC
There is a trio of unbeaten teams in the conference following a week of play. Colorado Mesa leads the way with a 5-0 record, followed by Mines (2-0) and Regis (2-0). Fort Lewis ranks third in the RMAC in team free throw percentage at .810. Ashley Steffeck of Mines leads all players by averaging 27.5 points per game. Sorenson's 16 points-per-game average ranks ninth. Five players are averaging double-digit rebounds, led by Mesa's Olivia Reed at 14.6.

Inside the Numbers
The Skyhawks are averaging 58.5 points per game on a .348 field goal percentage. 12 players on the roster have scored points thus far, led by Sorenson's 16 points per game average. Junior Samantha Wattawa leads the way with six rebounds per game. Sophomore Kate Gallery is leading all players with five total steals.

Up Next
Fort Lewis will remain home next week for a rare Monday/Tuesday double-header. The Skyhawks will play host to Lincoln University (Calif.) for a 5:00 p.m. tipoff on Monday and a 3:00 p.m. start on Tuesday. It will be the first matchup between the teams in program history.

The Oaks are 3-2 this season with the most recent contest against Claremont-Mudd Scripps resulting in a 75-68 win.

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