DURANGO, Colo. – Freshman Emma Gurule scored her second goal of the season, and sophomore Trinity Lujan collected her first shutout of the year as the Fort Lewis College women's soccer team (2-0-1) earned a gritty 1-0 win over West Texas A&M (1-2-1) in its home opener on Saturday.

The Skyhawks held a 13-12 advantage in shots for the match, including a 9-4 edge in shots on goal. The teams combined for 18 fouls, seven corner kicks, and five offsides.

Gurule's goal stood as the game winner, with assists credited to junior Kailin Gudewicz and freshman Maleia Dayao. All but three starters played the full 90 minutes, including Gudewicz, Gurule, Dayao, Lujan, Lucy Bernino, Amber Otts, Jenna Salazar, Addyson Carpentier, and Mia Duncan. Lujan made four saves en route to her first shutout and second win of the season.

The teams spent the opening minutes feeling one another out and battling for possession in the midfield. The game's first shot didn't come until the 12th minute when WTAMU logged back-to-back attempts, neither of which found the target.

Gudewicz was responsible for Fort Lewis' first shot on goal, coming in the 14th minute and resulting in the Buffs' first save of the match. Dayao and Gurule each put shots on target in the 28th minute, but the opposing keeper continued her steady effort between the posts.

Fort Lewis found its breakthrough six minutes later, beginning with a throw-in that worked its way down the near sideline. Gudewicz controlled the ball and sent a cross into traffic in front of the net. Dayao seamlessly redirected the ball to her right, connecting with fellow freshman Gurule, who fired a quick shot low and to the left for a 1-0 lead.

The Buffs came out with renewed energy in the second half, turning to a new-look lineup while the Skyhawks sent 10 of their starters back onto the field. The fresh legs paid off early for the visitors, who put two shots on goal in the opening three minutes.

Fort Lewis added a pair of shots on target 20 minutes later, this time from defenders Otts and Carpentier, including a dangerous header from Carpentier. With time winding down, WTAMU ramped up the pressure and turned the final 10 minutes into a frenzy, but the Skyhawks' defense weathered the storm.

The final chance came as the seconds expired after the Buffs were awarded a corner kick with 10 seconds remaining. WTAMU sent its goalkeeper into the attacking third, and the move nearly paid off. The keeper connected with the loose ball and put a shot on goal, but Lujan secured the save as the horn sounded to preserve the 1-0 home victory.

Fort Lewis (2-0-1) heads to neutral-site action on Friday for a noon match against Westmont College (0-1-2) on the campus of MSU Denver. Friday's match will mark the first meeting between the two programs in their respective histories.