Fort Lewis College’s women’s lacrosse team made an early statement that it aims to compete with the top teams in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
The Skyhawks opened the season on the road Saturday in Grand Junction against 22nd-ranked Colorado Mesa University. Though the two teams are RMAC foes, the season opener was a non-conference game.
The two teams played to a 9-9 tie through the first half, but it was Colorado Mesa (1-0) that edged FLC 8-7 in the second half to secure a 17-16 win. It was the first game for FLC under new head coach Sean Claussen, who is working with a small roster of only 17 women.
FLC (0-1) was led on the attack by Kelli Warmouth, who put in eight goals on 12 shots, including nine on goal.
The match was incredibly close, but Colorado Mesa had a strong 26-17 advantage in ground balls. FLC committed 20 turnovers to 16 by the Mavericks. FLC was better in draw controls with 19 wins to 16 losses.
Regan Olson added three goals for FLC, Anna Dennison scored two and Delaney Benson added one, as did Taylor Cabrera and Abby Escandon. Cabrera had the lone assist for FLC.
Olivia Hayden led the Mavericks with seven goals. Lindsi Peters added five. Amanda Geary had four assists, and Mary Joch added two.
Ryanne Brust and Aitana Rivera led FLC with three ground balls each. Olivia Hayden, Erin Koehler and Marissa Leonarid each had three ground balls for CMU.
FLC used two goalies. Daris Wienk made three saves and allowed nine goals, and Ally Guerrero made one save and allowed eight goals. Lula Mitchell made five saves for the Mavericks.
The Skyhawks will play another non-conference game against a conference opponent next week, as FLC will visit Colorado State University-Pueblo at 11 a.m. Saturday.
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
