A shorthanded Durango Demons’ girls lacrosse team got out to a shaky start to its season Friday in Grand Junction.

Durango (0-2) dropped its first two games of the season in a doubleheader: Durango High School lost 13-9 to Fruita Monument (1-0) and 14-11 to Grand Junction (1-0).

“We were tired after a long bus drive; we were definitely tired playing two games on our first day,” DHS senior midfielder Tymbree Hawkins said in a phone interview with The Durango Herald. “We were missing some key players with five varsity girls out. It is unfortunate for us, but we made it work.”

Durango trailed the majority of the game against Fruita Monument. Hawkins led the team with three goals, and junior Payton Randle added two more.

Demons’ goalkeeper Shaelee Hawkins made 11 saves in the loss, just the fifth game of her career.

The second game was much closer as Durango and Grand Junction exchanged goals throughout, but the home team had more left in the tank late.

Angela Grogan, Tymbree Hawkins and Randall all scored three goals for the Demons in the second game. Shaelee Hawkins made six saves.

Also missing Friday was DHS head coach Jenni Darlow. The team felt as though they performed well, all things considered.

“We have only had four days of practice together as a team. We are getting used to each other and still trying to figure everything out,” senior defender Deryn Candelaria said.

The Demons will have a week to prepare for the next game; DHS will play the Skiers at 4 p.m. next Friday in Aspen.

“We have to work hard the next week and be ready to bring it next week in Aspen,” Tymbree Hawkins said.

heraldsports@durangoherald.com