PORTALES, N.M. – The Fort Lewis College women's basketball team opened the 2026-27 season on the road Monday evening, falling to Eastern New Mexico University, 75-61. The Skyhawks kept pace with the Greyhounds throughout the opening half but were unable to overcome a cold fourth quarter as the hosts pulled away for the win.
Fort Lewis (0-1) trailed by just one point after the opening quarter and entered halftime down 42-41 before Eastern New Mexico (1-0) outscored the Skyhawks 33-20 in the second half, including a 15-6 advantage in the final period.
Senior Natalie Guanella led Fort Lewis with 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting, adding three steals in 16 minutes off the bench. Sophomore Alemaualii Fonoti followed with 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting, while junior Katie Lamb contributed eight points, four rebounds, four steals, and three assists. Sophomore Tariah Carter added seven points, and freshman Tiana Fa chipped in six points and a blocked shot. Junior Claudia Palacio Gámez directed the Skyhawks' offense with a team-high six assists to go along with four points and two steals.
Fort Lewis received 41 of its 61 points from the bench and finished with 18 steals, forcing Eastern New Mexico into 29 turnovers. The Skyhawks converted those miscues into 22 points and held a 32-34 disadvantage in points in the paint.
The Greyhounds were led by Cacia Antonio, a University of New Mexico transfer, who recorded a game-high 22 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Kaitlyn Edmondson added a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds as Eastern New Mexico controlled the glass, 48-29.
The Skyhawks shot 34.3 percent (23-of-67) from the field and 22.7 percent (5-of-22) from beyond the arc, while the Greyhounds connected on 48.1 percent (25-of-52) of their attempts and 50.0 percent (6-of-12) from three-point range.
First Quarter (ENMU 20, FLC 19)
The teams traded leads throughout the opening 10 minutes, with Fort Lewis taking its first advantage on a three-pointer from fifth year Deniece Ryan at the 7:20 mark. The Skyhawks extended their lead to five points, 12-7, following a pair of free throws from Lamb midway through the period. Eastern New Mexico responded with an 8-2 run to regain the lead, but Fort Lewis stayed within striking distance. A late pair of free throws from Antonio gave the Greyhounds a 20-18 advantage before Palacio Gámez split a pair at the line to make it 20-19 entering the second quarter.
Second Quarter (ENMU 42, FLC 41)
Fort Lewis opened the second quarter with a jumper from sophomore Savanna Dotray to briefly reclaim the lead, 21-20. Eastern New Mexico responded with a run to build an eight-point advantage at 31-23 with just over six minutes remaining. The Skyhawks answered behind their second unit, with Fonoti providing a layup and Lamb connecting from three-point range to trim the deficit to three points. Fort Lewis continued to battle down the stretch, scoring 22 points in the quarter to remain within one possession at the break.
Third Quarter (ENMU 60, FLC 55)
The Greyhounds gained separation after halftime, outscoring Fort Lewis 18-14 in the third quarter. The Skyhawks continued to generate opportunities through defensive pressure but struggled to match Eastern New Mexico's efficiency on the offensive end. The hosts carried a five-point advantage into the final 10 minutes.
Fourth Quarter (ENMU 75, FLC 61)
Fort Lewis was held to just six points in the final quarter as Eastern New Mexico steadily extended its lead. The Skyhawks were unable to find an offensive rhythm down the stretch, allowing the Greyhounds to close out the 14-point victory.
Up Next
Fort Lewis (0-1) will return to Durango for its home-opening weekend, hosting a pair of Lone Star Conference opponents inside Whalen Gymnasium. The Skyhawks will welcome Southeastern Oklahoma State University on Thursday, Nov. 19, before taking on Angelo State University on Friday, Nov. 20. Both contests are scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff.
