A chill in the air and falling autumn leaves means one thing at Whalen Gym: It’s nearly basketball season. The Fort Lewis College women’s basketball team recently returned to the hardwood for three exhibition games and will begin its regular season next week.
The Skyhawks were 2-25 in the 2021-22 season, but lost 11 games by four or fewer points, including 10 close games in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play. First-year head coach Taylor Harris earned his first win over Northern New Mexico College 61-44 in the annual Nike N7 Game.
“We were a team that our record was not indicative of the growth on the court and in the locker room,” Harris said. “We were consistently a team with the most energy on the court and on the sideline, and that became our identity last year. The team from last year was remarkable in laying the foundation of a strong and loving culture. While they may not have reaped the benefits of wins, last year’s team had an impact that will last long after their time here at Fort Lewis.”
Fort Lewis relied heavily on senior Sydney Candelaria last season. Candelaria averaged 21.4 points per game to lead the conference and rank fifth in NCAA Division II. Candelaria finished her career eighth all-time in scoring at FLC and first all-time in single-season scoring with 578 points.
The team returns eight players from last season. The group combined for 28.9 points and 19.2 rebounds per game. Senior Kelsey Sorenson returns as the leader in both categories after averaging 11.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game in her first season.
“With our eight returners, we are expecting a big year of growth from Kelsey Sorenson, who was a top rebounder in the RMAC last year,” Harris said. “Our seniors, Tayla Nez and Brooke McGee have really had great preseasons and their presence is vital to us. Finally, Alyssa Adams, is a senior that we hope to have healthy by the winter break. She has persevered through so much in her five years, and she is bringing gratitude to our program that we love.”
The underclassmen group of Ava Strange, Samantha Wattawa and Ruby Sweeney-Spitzeck add depth to the floor.
A blend of true freshmen, junior college transfers and four-year college transfers rounds out the Skyhawks’ roster. Freshmen Audra Vine, Kate Gallery and Lanae Billy have hit the ground running. Graci Kolka and Avery Evans bring experience at the junior college level. Kolka played at the College of Southern Idaho while Evans started at Fresno City College and averaged 12.8 points per game.
Sadie Misner, a sophomore guard, played two seasons at Angelo State University. Forward Kaitlyn Bell spent the past two seasons at Adams State University where she averaged 4.6 points per game while boasting a field goal percentage of 55.2.
The Skyhawks will open the regular season at the RMAC/Lone Star Conference Challenge against Eastern New Mexico and Western New Mexico in Las Vegas, New Mexico, on Nov. 11-12.
Fort Lewis will play its home opener on Nov. 18 against Northern New Mexico College in the annual Nike N7 Game. The game marks the fifth time Fort Lewis College has been selected as one of 11 institutions nationwide to participate in the Nike N7 Games, which are held in November in celebration of Native American Heritage Month.
The FLC women’s basketball team features three players with Native American backgrounds, including Ember Cervantes (Mescalero Apache), Lanae Billy (Diné Navajo), and Tayla Nez (Diné Navajo). Both FLC teams will sport turquoise Nike N7 uniforms during contests as the color represents harmony, friendship and fellowship in the Native American culture.
FLC will then play three more nonconference games before beginning RMAC play. The Skyhawks have 11 home conference games, beginning Dec. 3 against Western Colorado University.
The RMAC Tournament will begin on Feb. 28.
Colorado School of Mines was tabbed to repeat as league champs in the RMAC Women’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll, voted on by the league’s 15 head coaches, followed by CSU Pueblo, Black Hills State and MSU Denver. Fort Lewis was tabbed to finish 14th, ahead of New Mexico Highlands.
“Fans can expect a team that is loud, energetic, and plays incredibly hard regardless of the score,” Harris said. “Style of play will adjust as our team sorts to find its identity, but one thing will be consistent … fans will be able to see a team that loves each other and loves the opportunity to play basketball representing Fort Lewis.”
