DURANGO, Colo. – Despite outshooting the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference's top-ranked squad and controlling much of the offensive pressure, the Fort Lewis College women's soccer team suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to (RV) Regis University on Sunday afternoon at Dirks Field.
The Skyhawks (9-3-2, 6-3-0 RMAC) held a 16-10 advantage in shots, including a 7-3 edge in shots on goal, but a second-half strike from the league's leading scorer proved to be the difference as the Rangers (14-2-0, 10-0-0 RMAC) remained unbeaten in conference play.
Fort Lewis established its offensive presence early, testing Regis goalkeeper Maggie Payne throughout the opening half. Freshman Emma Gurule registered the Skyhawks' first shot on goal in the 12th minute before senior Jenna Salazar and junior Lucy Bernino added scoring opportunities of their own.
Bernino placed two attempts on frame in the opening period, while Salazar forced a pair of saves from Payne, including an opportunity in the final minute before halftime. Fort Lewis carried a 7-4 advantage in shots into the break, with five attempts on target compared to just one for the Rangers.
The decisive moment came in the 60th minute when Regis forward Fernanda Rodriguez, the RMAC's leading goal scorer, intercepted a pass from the Fort Lewis defense inside the penalty area. Skyhawks goalkeeper Trinity Lujan did everything she could to corral the attempt, but Rodriguez expertly placed her shot low into the right corner of the net for her 16th goal of the season and the eventual game-winner.
Trailing by one, Fort Lewis continued to press forward, generating nine second-half shots in search of the equalizer. Senior Ann Spence, Gurule, and Salazar each created opportunities as the Skyhawks worked to break through the Rangers' defensive unit.
Salazar led all players with six shots, including three on goal, while Spence followed with three attempts. Bernino and Gurule contributed two shots apiece, with Bernino placing both of hers on target.
Defensively, Fort Lewis limited Regis to just three shots on goal across the full 90 minutes. Lujan finished with two saves, while Bernino, senior Amber Otts, junior Kailin Gudewicz, sophomore Addyson Carpentier, Spence, and Salazar each played the full match.
Payne collected seven saves for the Rangers to preserve the shutout.
Inside the Numbers
-
16-10: Fort Lewis outshot Regis by six attempts.
-
7-3: The Skyhawks held a four-shot advantage in shots on goal.
-
6: Jenna Salazar led all players in shots, including three on target.
-
7: Regis goalkeeper Maggie Payne recorded seven saves.
-
3-2: Fort Lewis held a narrow advantage in corner kicks.
-
90: Seven Skyhawks, including goalkeeper Trinity Lujan, played all 90 minutes
