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Fort Lewis College Athletics

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Trista Hoobler
Kaitlyn Silva
Freshman Trista Hoobler (25) has played in 18 games for the Skyhawks this season

Women's basketball prepares for annual Pink Out against Western Colorado

2/16/2024 9:00:00 AM

By: Angela Roberts, Assistant AD-Communications
DURANGO, Colo. – The Fort Lewis College women's basketball team welcomes Western Colorado University to Whalen Gymnasium on Saturday evening for its annual Pink Game, presented by CommonSpirit, Alpine Bank, and the Wells Group.

Last Time Out
On Tuesday, Fort Lewis fell in a road contest to Adams State by an 87-61 final. Fort Lewis shot 40 percent (20-of-50) from the field compared to a 50 percent (29-of-58) clip for Adams State. The Grizzlies were able to make 22 free throws versus 16 for the Skyhawks. Adams State held the edge on defense as well, outrebounding Fort Lewis by 18 and forcing 24 turnovers.

Senior Kelsey Sorenson led the team with 15 points, followed by junior Samantha Wattawa who recorded nine. Four players scored six points in the effort. Junior Avery Evans paced the squad with five rebounds while junior Sadie Misner came away with four steals.

About the Pink Out
On Saturday, fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of research for cancers affecting women. The women's basketball team has spearheaded an initiative for the month of February called "Turnover Cancer" which will see $1 donated to the CommonSpirit Mercy Hospital Breast Care Center for every caused turnover during the month.

During halftime of both games, there will be a free throw shootout where each made free throw equals a $1 donation to the CommonSpirit Mercy Hospital Breast Care Center. All fans in attendance are invited to the floor to participate in the fun.

Scouting Western Colorado University
The Mountaineers own an overall record of 6-15 and a 4-12 clip in conference play following a split with Chadron State (W, 81-63) and Colorado Christian (L, 59-71) last week. Western Colorado averages 60.7 points per game versus 65.2 for their opponents. The team shoots 38.7 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from deep. They own a narrow edge in rebounds per game with an even 36 compared to 35.7 on the other side.

Individually, Rachel Cockman leads the way by averaging 16.7 points per game, followed by Jayda Maves (12.6) and Ivey Schmidt (10.3). Cockman is the leading rebounder, too, and averages 7.8 per game. Brooke Seymour paces the squad with 46 assists to go along with 22 steals.

Fort Lewis earned a 68-47 win over Western Colorado when the teams faced in early December. Four players reached double-digit points, led by Billy who recorded 19. The Skyhawks lead the all-time series by a 21-7 margin and have won the last three head-to-head. Fort Lewis is 8-4 when playing Western Colorado at home.

Around the RMAC
Mines leads the conference ranks with an 19-4 overall record and a 14-3 mark in league play, Regis (18-5, 13-4 RMAC) and Adams State (18-7, 13-4 RMAC) follow. Fort Lewis sits in ninth with a record of 8-9 in conference play. In the statistical standings, Fort Lewis ranks seventh in points per game (65.8), seventh in 3-point FGs made (6.5), seventh in scoring defense (64.8), fourth in free throw percentage (76.5), third in turnover margin (4.65), second in steals (12.9), and first in attendance (928).

In the National Ranks
The Skyhawks have seen numerous improvements in year three of the head coach Taylor Harris era. Fort Lewis ranks in the top-20 in three statistical categories with five games remaining in the regular season. The team ranks 13th in free throw attempts per game (22.35), 12th in steals per game (12.9), and is 3rd in the country in free throws made per game (17.09). Fort Lewis ranks 10th in NCAA Division II in home attendance with over 11,000 fans making their way into Whalen Gymnasium this season.

Inside the Numbers
Fort Lewis is led by sophomore Lanae Billy who is averaging 16.1 points per game (8th RMAC), followed by senior Kelsey Sorenson who is putting up 12.7 per game (14th RMAC). From there, six players average over five points per game. Junior Samantha Wattawa leads the team with 6.1 rebounds per game (15th RMAC). Billy leads the team and ranks second in the conference with a 3.0 steals per game average (3rd in RMAC), and junior Sadie Misner is close behind with 2.6 per game (6th in RMAC). Billy's mark ranks 15th in all of NCAA Division II.

Up Next
Fort Lewis will play its final home games of the season next week against Black Hills State and South Dakota Mines. Friday's game against the Yellow Jackets will begin at 5:00 p.m. while Saturday's matchup is set to begin at 4:00 p.m.

Friday will serve as the annual "Academic Recognition Night" where all student-athletes who achieved over a 3.30 GPA in the fall semester will be honored at halftime of the men's game.
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