DURANGO, Colo. – Sophomore Victoria Barletta had a strong homecoming performance, scoring two goals for the Fort Lewis Skyhawks in their home opener. Despite her efforts, the Skyhawks fell 18-3 to the UCCS Mountain Lions.
The loss drops Fort Lewis to 1-7 overall and 0-2 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) play, while UCCS improves to 5-2 overall and 2-1 in the league.
UCCS controlled much of the game, outshooting Fort Lewis 25-17, including a 23-9 advantage in shots on goal. The teams combined for 49 turnovers, with Fort Lewis committing eight on clearing attempts. The Mountain Lions also dominated the draw controls, winning 19 to the Skyhawks' nine.
Fort Lewis struck first when Velasco found the net at the 10:41 mark. However, UCCS responded with 15 unanswered goals, carrying a commanding 15-1 lead into the fourth quarter. Barletta capitalized on a UCCS turnover with eight minutes left to score her first goal, then added another at the 3:47 mark to make it 16-3. UCCS tacked on two more goals to seal the 18-3 victory.
The Skyhawks (1-7, 0-2 RMAC) will look to rebound when they host No. 17 Regis University (3-4, 1-1 RMAC) on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at Ray Dennison Memorial Field.
