The Fort Lewis women’s basketball team continued to be competitive but lost close games to Regis University 78-77 on Saturday and to Colorado Christian University 65-63 on Monday.
Redshirt senior guard Sydney Candelaria put up a career-high 36 points, good for fourth-most in a single game in Fort Lewis College women’s basketball history, against Regis.
Candelaria was 13 of 26 from the field and 5 of 9 from beyond the arc en route to her 36-point outing. Redshirt junior Alyssa Adams had 14 points and four rebounds, and redshirt sophomore Kelsey Sorenson had 10 points and four rebounds.
Jana Conjero and Candelaria each hit threes to begin the fourth quarter, giving the Skyhawks a brief lead before a Rangers jumper tied it at 65. Regis built another lead, this time at six points, but Candelaria again answered to see the Skyhawks down 75-71 with 3:35 remaining. Candelaria continued to give defenders fits, scoring on back-to-back possessions to tie the score at 75.
The Rangers responded with a clutch three-pointer with 1:43 on the clock, putting the home team ahead 78-75. Adams answered with a midrange jumper to find the Skyhawks down by one point with a minute to play. Fort Lewis performed mightily on defense, forcing a turnover for a final possession, but missed a three-pointer for 78-77 final score.
The CCU game saw six tied scores and six lead changes, most in the second half.
Candelaria scored 33 points for FLC, picking up 14 points in a row to spark a near comeback for the Skyhawks. Redshirt sophomore Kelsey Sorenson had 12 points and a team-best seven rebounds.
Candelaria’s 14th consecutive point saw the Skyhawks down 64-63 with 1:28 remaining. The Cougars extended the lead with a free throw with :08 left in the contest. The Skyhawks had an opportunity late, but an out-of-bounds call ended the hopes for the road squad in a 65-63 final score.
“Sydney is creating a legacy that is cementing herself as one of the top players in the RMAC and one of the great Skyhawks,” said coach Taylor Harris. “Of course, you'd like her to get more help on a night to night basis. It will come, but we don't want to lose sight of what a great season she's having.”
