DURANGO, Colo. – The race for a spot in the conference tournament is heating up, and the Fort Lewis College women's basketball team begins a challenging road stretch this week at Adams State University and New Mexico Highlands.

With eight games remaining in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) play, the Skyhawks sit at 6-6, tied for eighth place in the league. The top eight teams advance to the postseason tournament. Over the final stretch, Fort Lewis is set to face the current No. 1, No. 2, No. 4, No. 9, No. 10, No. 11, No. 12, and No. 15 teams in the conference standings.
 

Last Time Out

The Skyhawks continued their pattern of weekend splits, defeating Colorado School of Mines on Thursday before falling to MSU Denver on Saturday.

The 86-83 win over the Orediggers marked Fort Lewis' first victory in the series since 2020 and featured three players scoring in double figures. The Skyhawks shot 46.6 percent from the field and 45.5 percent from three-point range while turning in their best free-throw performance of the season, converting 22 of 26 attempts. Fort Lewis forced 23 Mines turnovers and recorded 16 steals — more than double the Orediggers' total of seven.

The loss to MSU Denver came after a 30-point fourth quarter by the Roadrunners. Fort Lewis shot 37.5 percent from the field and 8.3 percent from three-point range but went 17-of-24 at the free-throw line. MSU Denver shot 40 percent from the floor, made six three-pointers, and finished 22-of-29 at the line. The Skyhawks held a slight 40-37 rebounding edge but committed 25 turnovers — their second-highest total in conference play this season.
 

Strength in Balance

Balanced production on both ends of the floor has been key to Fort Lewis' success this season. Offensively, six Skyhawks average at least six points per game, including two double-figure scorers. This depth has been especially important with returning All-Conference selection Deniece Ryan appearing in just five games due to injury.

That balance carries over defensively. Five players average at least four rebounds per game, including two freshmen and two first-year Skyhawks. Fort Lewis' defensive pressure has translated into strong ball disruption, as the team averages 13.3 steals per game — ranking first in the RMAC and 14th nationally in NCAA Division II.

Makaya Porter (2.4), Katie Lamb (2.0), and Josie Davis (1.9) lead the team in steals, while Porter also leads the conference with 1.3 blocks per game.
 

Top Moments (So Far)

• Nov. 22 – 62-61 win at Angelo State
Fort Lewis outscored the Belles 26-17 in the fourth quarter, capped by Katie Lamb's game-winning three-pointer with eight seconds remaining.

• Dec. 9 – 74-71 win vs. New Mexico Highlands
The Skyhawks closed on a 25-12 fourth-quarter run and had six players score in double figures.

• Dec. 18 – 60-53 win vs. UT Tyler
Freshman Josie Davis posted an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double to lead Fort Lewis to its first win over UT Tyler in program history.

• Jan. 22 – 81-71 win vs. Colorado Christian
Sophomore Claudia Palacio Gámez set a new career high with 27 points, shooting 6-of-7 from three-point range.

• Jan. 29 – 86-83 win vs. Mines
First win over the Orediggers since 2020 and the team's best free-throw shooting performance of the season (22-of-26).
 

Scouting Adams State

The Grizzlies are 18-5 overall and 12-1 in conference play, riding a seven-game winning streak. Adams State is 8-1 at home, with its only loss coming against league-leading Colorado Mesa, 89-49.

Adams State averages 68.7 points per game while allowing just 62.8. The Grizzlies shoot .408 from the field, .297 from three-point range, and average 15 made free throws per game. They also average 34.5 rebounds, 11.3 steals, and 2.5 blocks per contest.

Three players average double figures, led by Kiiyani Anitielu at 17.7 points per game. Taejhuan Hill and Elaina Watson average 14.4 and 10 points per game, respectively. Hill leads the team with eight rebounds per game, while Watson averages 4.8 rebounds and serves as the primary ball handler with 74 assists and 77 steals.

Fort Lewis faced Adams State in mid-December, falling 78-50 after scoring just four points in the first quarter. Freshman Savanna Dotray led the team with 11 points, while Josie Davis added 11 rebounds.
 

Scouting New Mexico Highlands

The Cowgirls are 10-10 overall and 6-7 in RMAC play after splitting games last week, defeating Regis 77-68 before falling to Adams State 71-65. NMHU is 6-3 at home this season.

The Cowgirls average 70.6 points per game while allowing 63. They shoot .454 from the field, .313 from three-point range, and average just under 10 made free throws per game. Defensively, NMHU averages 34.1 rebounds, 10.2 steals, and 2.1 blocks per game.

Four players average double figures, led by Kapiolani Anitielu at 16.4 points per game. Aniya Johnson averages 12.6 points per game, while Aspen Salazar and Kamalani Anitielu each average over 10 points. Anitielu leads the team with 6.3 rebounds per game, and two players have recorded 50 or more assists.

Fort Lewis defeated New Mexico Highlands in early December behind a strong fourth quarter, with five players scoring in double figures, led by Davis with 17 points.
 

Up Next

Fort Lewis travels to Grand Junction on Thursday to face No. 4 Colorado Mesa before wrapping up the trip Saturday against Western Colorado.