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Though only 9-14 overall and 5-12 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play, the Fort Lewis College women’s basketball team has played some of its best basketball against the conference’s top teams. The Skyhawks will look to do the same this weekend with a tough doubleheader against a pair of well-off programs from Utah.
Westminster College, tied for first with Colorado Mesa University in the RMAC standings at 18-3 overall and 16-1 in RMAC play, will visit FLC at 5:30 p.m. Friday after taking a flight from Salt Lake City. Dixie State (12-9, 8-9 RMAC), in its first year as a member of the RMAC and only two years away from a move to Division I, will visit at 5:30 p.m. Saturday from St. George, Utah.
Two weeks ago in Utah, FLC beat Dixie State 66-60 before challenging the Westminster College Griffins in a 69-62 loss a night later.
This time, its the Griffins who the Skyhawks will play first, and they are fresh off a big home win against Colorado Mesa to split the regular-season series and share the RMAC lead with five games to play.
“It was a really close game,” FLC head coach Jason Flores said of the previous matchup with Westminster. “It’s weird. Only a couple of weeks ago, we were playing with a lot more confidence. We had won the night before on the road. We have a ton of respect for Westminster’s program and the way they play. We knew we had to play well or else it would be a really tough game. It’s the same thing tomorrow for us. They’re in first place for a reason, and I just look forward for another opportunity to see if we step up to the plate.”
FLC is coming off a tough home weekend with losses to Colorado Christian and Regis in which the Skyhawks were held to 48 and 39 points, respectively. Getting the offense back on track was a focus this week.
“We worked on spacing and aggressiveness,” Flores said. “After watching a lot of film, we weren’t aggressive in spots where we needed to be. We were on our heels. Offense is a matter of confidence, and we never take confidence away from anybody and tell them they can’t look to score. It’s a matter of the players regaining confidence.”
Westminster is led by RMAC Preseason Player of the Year Denise Gonzalez, who has averaged 13.7 points per game, while Hunter Krebs has averaged 13.1. Olivia Elliss is also in the top-15 in RMAC scoring at 12.2 points per game.
Krebs didn’t play the last time the two teams met, as it was Kaylee Carlsen who scored 24 points, while Elliss had 15 points and 12 rebounds. FLC limited Gonzalez to 11 points, but she added seven rebounds.
Behind the well-rounded attack, Westminster has the top-scoring team in the RMAC at 69.9 points per game, while Dixie State is a close second at 69 points per game.
“(Krebs) is a matchup of inside scoring presence but she can step out and hit a 3,” Flores said. “She’s that type of player, and adding her back does nothing but help them. (Gonzalez) is a really dynamic player. You can’t take everything away from her. If you get up and pressure her, she’s crafty getting by you, getting into the lane and creating scores or setting up teammates. If you lay off, she hits a 3. You have to give her lots of attention, and she’s streaky, as well. It’s a tough task to not let her get comfortable in any realm.”
Dixie State has been led by 12.1 points per game from Ali Franks, while Mariah Martin has scored 10.4 per game.
FLC senior forward Alyssa Yocky and junior guard Kayla Herrera continue to lead the Skyhawks at 10.9 points per game each. Yocky ranks third in the RMAC in rebounding at 8.3 per game.
In the last matchup against Westminster, sophomore forward Jordan Carter had 16 points and six rebounds. In the win at Dixie State, sophomore guard Sydney Candelaria went for 20 points and eight rebounds.
The Skyhawks will play in front of a packed Whalen Gymnasium on Saturday night. Admission to the game costs a donation to the family of women’s assistant coach Orlando Griego. During a Dec. 16 game, Griego left the bench as his wife, Katherine, was rushed to the hospital, where she gave birth to their daughter, Lana, nine weeks early. After a long stay at Children’s Hospital and Mercy Regional Medical Center, Lana is now home. Whether fans donate $1 or $1,000 to get into Saturday’s game, every dollar will go to the Griego family.
“Saturday we see another talented team,” Flores said. “Obviously, Saturday is about much more than basketball. I can’t wait to celebrate that and be part of that. We kind of learn life lessons through sports, and that’s what it’s about. I can’t wait to be part of it for such a great family.”
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
