The Fort Lewis College women’s lacrosse team ended the nonconference portion of its schedule Friday in Florida, falling 16-11 to Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Five Skyhawks notched two goals in the game, which included a two-goal, one-assist performance from sophomore Ellie Martinez. Freshman Phoebe Ramirez, sophomores Haley Dostie and Kaylin Vanzant, and junior Makena Carter also scored multiple goals for FLC. Junior Averi Basso went the distance in goal and made 10 saves on the day.
Palm Beach Atlantic had the advantage in shots attempted, totaling 35 for the game compared with 23 for Fort Lewis. The Skyhawks had the upper hand when it came to caused turnovers, picking up 12. Palm Beach Atlantic had 21 total turnovers, and the Skyhawks committed 17.
The Sailfish opened the game with two quick goals before a free position score from Carter made it 2-1 with 11:12 remaining in the first quarter. The home squad responded with back-to-back goals.
Vanvant found space for her first goal of the day as the clock hovered just above seven minutes, making it a 4-2 game. Much like the theme that became evident at the start of the quarter, Palm Beach Atlantic strung together a trio of goals to close out the quarter ahead 7-2.
The trend carried into the beginning of the second quarter with the lead elevating to 9-2. Fort Lewis took advantage of a pair of fouls to score on ensuing possessions for a 9-4 score with 6:56 remaining. The Skyhawks continued to inch closer and closer, tallying goals from sophomore Caprietta Abbadessa and Ramirez to make it 9-6 with under two minutes to go in the half. Ramirez picked up another goal, which was echoed by the opposition, for a 10-7 score heading into the break.
The teams traded points to open the third quarter, moving the score to 12-9, but four consecutive Sailfish goals built a 16-9 lead. The Skyhawks notched the final goal of the quarter when Dostie sent goal to the back of the net off an assist from senior Maren Clark.
The fourth quarter only saw one goal, scored by the Skyhawks, for a 16-11 final.
Fort Lewis (1-5) returns to play at 3 p.m. Wednesday versus Adams State University in Alamosa. The Skyhawks will look to extend the unbeaten streak against the Grizzlies; FLC boasts an unblemished 18-0 record against ASU, dating to March 19, 2011. Fort Lewis topped Adams State 24-1 last season behind a four-goal performance from Caprietta Abbadessa.
