DURANGO, Colo. – The Fort Lewis College women's soccer team plays its first home match of the season this week with a Saturday morning showdown against in-region rival West Texas A&M.
 

Looking Back

The Skyhawks enjoyed a promising opening weekend on the road, returning home with a 1-0-1 record. With several new faces in the lineup, going unbeaten against a pair of quality South Central Region opponents provided an encouraging start to the season.
 

The season-opening draw against St. Mary's saw freshman Emma Gurule score the first goal of her collegiate career off an assist from senior Jenna Salazar. Fort Lewis saw six players go the distance, including Gurule, Salazar, senior Amber Otts, junior Lucy Bernino, and sophomores Addyson Carpentier and Trinity Lujan. Lujan performed well in goal, collecting five saves while allowing just one goal.
 

On Saturday, Fort Lewis took on Lubbock Christian and came away with a 2-1 victory. Carpentier made the difference with a huge two-goal outing, including the eventual game-winner in the 60th minute. The Skyhawks held an 11-8 edge in shots and a 5-4 advantage in shots on goal. Lubbock Christian played a physical match and was whistled for 16 fouls to go along with one yellow card.
 

In 2025, Fort Lewis lost all five matches in which it surrendered a goal, making Saturday's come-from-behind victory an encouraging step for the young squad.
 

Around the RMAC

Fort Lewis was one of five teams to walk away unbeaten after the opening week. Adams State and No. 10 UCCS sit atop the standings at 2-0, while Westminster is 1-0. Fort Lewis and Black Hills State are both 1-0-1.
 

No. 12 Colorado School of Mines dropped its season opener to Rollins by a 2-1 final before bouncing back with a 2-1 win over Western Oregon.
 

Inside the Numbers

Carpentier is the Skyhawks' current points leader after her two-goal outing, followed by Gurule with one goal. Freshman Maleia Dayao and Salazar each have an assist to their credit.
 

The Skyhawks have seen full-time efforts from numerous players early in the season, including Otts, Bernino, Lujan, Carpentier, and Gurule.
 

Fort Lewis is averaging 13 shots and six shots on goal per game while limiting opponents to five shots on goal per contest. The Skyhawks have earned four corner kicks and committed just 16 fouls compared to 30 by their opponents.
 

Scouting West Texas A&M

The Buffs own a 1-1 record heading into the week following a 2-1 loss to Western Colorado and a 3-0 win over New Mexico Highlands. West Texas A&M plays Adams State on Thursday before taking on the Skyhawks on Saturday.
 

West Texas A&M went 7-9-2 last season and 4-9-1 in Lone Star Conference play. The Buffs struggled at home but posted a 5-4 record on the road. The team is under the guidance of Turk Ozturk, who enters his second season as head coach.
 

Through two matches in 2026, the Buffs are averaging 23 shots per game with a .587 shots-on-goal percentage while holding opponents to just five shots per contest. West Texas A&M has also earned eight corner kicks compared to only two for its opponents.
 

Individually, Braely Martinez leads the team with two goals, followed by Kennedy Casello and Jade Martinez with one apiece. Sienna Hurrell has the team's lone assist this season. Goalkeeper Franciezca Blancaflor is the only Buff to have played every minute through the first two matches. The senior has allowed two goals while making six saves for a .750 save percentage.
 

Fort Lewis is 3-10 all-time against West Texas A&M with a 1-5 mark on Dirks Field. The most recent meeting came in 2024 when the Skyhawks earned a 4-2 victory in Canyon, Texas.
 

Saturday's Forecast

Saturday's forecast in Durango calls for a high near 78 degrees with temperatures around 70 degrees at kickoff. Monsoon season continues in Southwest Colorado, bringing a slight chance of afternoon rain.
 

Up Next

Fort Lewis heads back on the road Friday, Sept. 11, for a neutral-site match against Westmont College. The match will be played on the campus of MSU Denver with kickoff scheduled for noon. The Skyhawks follow that up with a nonconference home match against Adams State University on Sunday at 1 p.m.