After a rough go Friday in a loss to No. 25 Regis, Fort Lewis College’s Kayla Herrera had a game to remember Saturday against Chadron State.
The redshirt freshman had a career-high 27 points and eight rebounds to lead FLC in a 92-80 home win.
“I missed a lot of bunnies against Regis (Friday), and it kind of haunted me all night,” Herrera said. “Usually, I don’t look at the stats, but I did after last game. I was just telling myself not to make it a mind game. Just finish and have fun.”
FLC forward Alyssa Yocky had another double-double, her fifth of the season, with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Briana Clah finished with 13 points, and Shelby Patterson finished in double figures for the third consecutive game with 11 points.
The Skyhawks (14-5, 9-5 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) got off to a slow start overall and shot only 33 percent in the opening quarter. They also had trouble defensively, as Chadron State put up 21 points in the first 10 minutes to grab a three-point lead.
Slowly, FLC got it together and the energy picked up as the game went on. Herrera’s 16 first-half points and Yocky’s 13 led to a 44-39 Skyhawks lead at halftime.
“There was some frustration at halftime because I love this team,” Fort Lewis head coach Jason Flores said.
“We just weren’t giving everything that we had, and that’s where the frustration was. They needed to pick it up, and they did.”
Herrera and company pushed the pace in the second half and dominated on the glass. FLC finished the night with a 47-34 rebounding edge, which led to 18 second-chance points and 22 fast-break points thanks to Yocky’s ability to grab the rebounds and push the ball up the court.
“The versatility is awesome,” Flores said. “We’ve talked about it, and Alyssa has taken it. There’s no need for her to find somebody and slow everything down.
“She’s just as good as anyone on the fast break.”
The offensive efficiency and increased intensity allowed the Skyhawks to pull away with a comfortable lead and finish the job after dropping three of the previous four games.
Kalli Fedderson led Chadron State (5-11, 5-8 RMAC) with a game-high 27 points.
Fort Lewis will try to keep the momentum going at 1 p.m. Saturday at Colorado Christian (8-10, 6-7 RMAC).
jfries@durangoherald.com
