Early season struggles have led to losing streaks for Fort Lewis College’s softball and women’s lacrosse teams. The softball team broke its losing streak over the weekend while the women’s lacrosse team extended its losing streak.
Softball snapped a 13-game losing streak by sweeping a four-game series at Adams State on Saturday and Sunday.
FLC improved to 6-22 overall and 5-18 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference after the four wins. Adams State fell to 4-32 overall and 2-22 in the RMAC.
The series started on Saturday with the Skyhawks winning 13-3 in five innings. Adams State led 3-1 after three innings but the Skyhawks had a masterful response, scoring six runs in the fourth and fifth innings to win 13-3.
FLC outhit Adams State 13-7. Junior Skyler Dietz had two hits, two runs and four RBIs for the Skyhawks. FLC junior Cali Niccum had two hits, including a home run, two runs scored and two RBIs. Senior Briana Jorgensen went 2-2 at bat with two runs and two RBIs.
Senior Amiee Shanks pitched five innings for FLC, finishing with two strikeouts.
The second game on Saturday was more challenging for FLC, with the Skyhawks coming away with an 8-6 win. FLC led 4-2 after three innings and Adams State closed the gap to 4-3 after five.
FLC broke away in the sixth with three runs. Adams State outscored FLC 3-1 in the seventh but it wasn’t enough.
The Skyhawks outhit the Grizzlies 14-9. Dietz led the way again for FLC with three hits, three runs and two RBIs.
Redshirt junior pitcher Hailie Mann finished with a win for the Skyhawks after throwing eight strikeouts.
FLC started Sunday out right with a dominant 9-0 win in six innings. The Skyhawks led 2-0 after four innings before two runs in the fifth and five runs in the sixth for the win. FLC outhit Adams State 15-4.
Redshirt freshman Makenna Milliman led FLC with four hits, one run and three RBIs. Freshman pitcher Addison Gavigan finished with six strikeouts.
The series ended on Sunday with a close 11-8 game, with the Skyhawks leaving victorious. FLC’s bats were hot early and the Skyhawks led 5-0 after the first. Adams State responded with a 5-1 second inning to trail 6-5. The game was tied 8-8 after six innings before the Skyhawks scored three unanswered in the seventh to win.
FLC outhit Adams State 14-6. Freshman Zoey Langerak led FLC with three hits and three runs. Freshman Chloe Padilla pitched four innings for the Skyhawks and allowed five hits and eight runs; she also had five strikeouts. Freshman Brooke Walton pitched two innings and allowed one hit and had two strikeouts.
The Skyhawks play a series at New Mexico Highlands, starting on Saturday at noon.
Women’s lacrosse loses to No. 17 Regis
FLC women’s lacrosse team lost its fourth consecutive game on Sunday with a 17-3 loss at home.
The Skyhawks dropped to 1-8 overall and 0-3 in the RMAC while Regis improved to 5-4 overall and 3-1 in the RMAC.
Regis led 11-1 at halftime and extended its lead to 14-2 after three quarters.
Ten different Rangers scored in the dominant victory. Senior Diamond Velasco, freshman Maddie Thompson and sophomore Piper Price each scored for FLC. Skyhawks senior Caley Lay had seven saves and allowed 11 goals while freshman Abigail Leighty had 10 saves and allowed six goals.
Regis outshot FLC 40-16 and had a 16-7 advantage in draw controls.
The Skyhawks play at Westminster on Friday at 4 p.m.
bkelly@durangoherald.com
