DENVER – The Skyhawks women's lacrosse team faced its toughest test of the season Sunday, taking on No. 17 Regis University in conference play and falling 18-1.
The loss drops Fort Lewis College to 0-5 overall and 0-3 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play, while Regis improves to 6-4 overall and 3-1 in the RMAC.
Regis controlled the game statistically, holding a 35-12 advantage in shots and a 22-4 edge in shots on goal. Fort Lewis committed 17 turnovers but found some success on clears, going 9-of-12.
Senior Diamond Velasco scored the lone goal for the Skyhawks and led the team with two shots on goal. Seniors Samantha Rodgers and Sydney Tannaci each recorded three caused turnovers, with Tannaci adding a team-high three ground balls. Sophomore Jasmine Nguyen collected three draw controls, while junior goalkeeper Olivia Tilbury made 11 saves in net.
Tilbury opened the game with a save at the 12:48 mark to keep the score level, but Regis broke through shortly after and never looked back. The Rangers scored three goals within the opening six minutes and added four more late in the quarter to take a 7-0 lead into the second.
The second quarter began with a strong defensive stretch, highlighted by another Tilbury save at 13:23. However, Regis extended its lead at the 11-minute mark and added two more goals later in the period to trigger a running clock. Fort Lewis generated a few opportunities, including a free-position attempt by Nguyen, but was unable to convert, heading into halftime trailing 10-0.
Regis added another goal early in the third quarter, followed by a lengthy scoreless stretch. Velasco recorded a shot late in the period, but it was saved, and Tilbury added another stop to keep the deficit at 13-0 entering the fourth.
Velasco put Fort Lewis on the board three minutes into the final quarter, cutting the score to 14-1. Rodgers continued to make an impact defensively with another caused turnover, and Brooke de Haan added a late shot that was saved. Regis closed the game with four goals in the final minutes to secure the 18-1 victory.
