DURANGO, Colo. – Skyhawks women's lacrosse welcomed the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) leader, Colorado Mesa University, to their home field but ultimately fell by a 14-goal differential.
With the win, Colorado Mesa improved to 9-5 overall and 8-1 in conference play. Fort Lewis dropped to 1-14 on the season and 0-9 in RMAC competition.
The Mavericks controlled much of the game, outshooting the Skyhawks 46-15, including a 34-7 advantage in shots on goal. Colorado Mesa also dominated the draw circle, winning 17 of 23 opportunities, and forced 19 Skyhawk turnovers. Fort Lewis completed 20-of-27 clear attempts.
Offensively, senior Marla Warrior and sophomore Piper Price each tallied a goal to account for the Skyhawks' scoring. Junior Sydney Tannaci anchored the defensive effort with two caused turnovers and two ground balls. In goal, freshman Abigail Leighty made 13 saves over 45 minutes of action.
The Mavericks struck first just two minutes into the game and quickly doubled their lead after securing the ensuing draw. A Fort Lewis turnover and a yellow card created additional scoring opportunities for Colorado Mesa, who capitalized to take a 4-0 lead. The visitors added two more goals to close out the first quarter.
Colorado Mesa extended its advantage to double digits in the second quarter, prompting a Fort Lewis timeout. The pause paid off momentarily, as Price found the back of the net at the 5:32 mark to put the Skyhawks on the board. The teams traded turnovers late in the half, with the Mavericks holding a 12-1 lead at intermission.
Defense was the highlight of a slower-paced third quarter, as both teams went scoreless for over 12 minutes before Colorado Mesa broke the drought. A Fort Lewis turnover led to another quick strike, pushing the score to 14-1.
Warrior added the Skyhawks' second goal midway through the fourth quarter, but the Mavericks closed out the game with two final goals to seal the 16-2 victory.
Fort Lewis (1-14, 0-9 RMAC) wraps up its season tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. against Westminster University (6-8, 3-6 RMAC).
