The Fort Lewis College women’s soccer team finally snapped its six-game losing streak thanks to a goal in the 73rd minute from sophomore midfielder Charlie Kaiser as the Skyhawks defeated Western State Colorado University 1-0 Friday afternoon in Gunnison.
The Skyhawks (5-8-1, 4-6-0 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) scored for the first time in over three matches. In the 73rd minute, a foul was called at the midfield center circle. Freshman midfielder Katie Smith played the free kick down the left flank and Kaiser got the ball just before it reached the end line, cut over and past a defender and scored from six yards out into the right corner of the net.
In the first half, Western State (3-10-1, 6-6-1 RMAC) had two good chances to get on the board. In the 20th minute, freshman midfielder Casey Ober had a shot, which Skyhawks junior goalkeeper Britt Blomso saved. The Mountaineers had another opportunity in the 39th minute, when redshirt junior forward Katie Desch’s shot was saved by Blomso.
The sides went in level at the break 0-0 with Fort Lewis edging the Mountaineers 4-3 on shots.
In the second half, however, the Skyhawks applied pressure and did not keep their foot of the gas, and outshot Western State 6-1. After the Skyhawks grabbed the opening goal, Western State had one more genuine chance in the 89th minute, but a shot from senior defender Sophie Fear off of a free kick from 25 yards out went over the crossbar and did not threaten Blomso.
Head coach Damian Clarke was relieved after the final whistle blew and thought that his side deserved the win.
“We always knew the middle stretch of the season would be difficult, so I think we’re proud of the girls for hanging in there psychologically,” Clarke said. “Today, I think they played hard and well at times.”
Clarke said the win was significant not only in the context of snapping the losing streak, but for the back line, as well, as it was Fort Lewis’s first shutout since Sept. 16 against Regis.
“I think it’s huge, the back line, at the end of the day, they’ve had to hold on for the last three weeks to maintain their shape and discipline,” Clarke said. “We’ve been in every game right up until the 70th minute or so, and they’re getting to show something for the amount of work they put in.
“When it comes down to it, it’s a huge step in the right direction and, realistically, two out of the next few, we could finish from fifth to eighth,” Clarke continued. “We’re really excited to try and earn some more points. It would’ve been a difficult sell for to pick them up by their boot straps if we hadn’t won this game, so I’m really pleased with this result.”
Fort Lewis will continue its road trip with a match against Colorado Mesa (5-5-3, 3-4-2 RMAC) at 1 p.m. Sunday in Grand Junction.
The Fort Lewis College men’s soccer team defeated South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 2-1 Friday night in Rapid City, South Dakota.
The Skyhawks (7-5-2, 5-5-1 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) scored two times in the first half, the first from Raul Pescador in the 15th minute and the second in the 41st minute as Coleman Kane scored from a pass from Ryan Lee.
In the second half, the Hardrockers (2-10-3, 1-7-3 RMAC) answered with a goal in the 50th minute from Kyle Daledovich, but it was not enough as the Skyhawks held on for the 2-1 win.
Head coach David Oberholtzer was impressed with his team’s performance and said it is a key step before preparing for Colorado School of Mines on Sunday.
“The first half was absolutely fantastic from the guys and we were able to score two goals but it honestly should’ve been more,” Oberholtzer said. “We still felt like we were in control for the majority of the game, but still, allowing a team to stay in the game and keep it a bit uncomfortable as opposed to seeing the game out early, which we could have done 30 minutes into match. Obviously, we still came out on the end of it and a good three points on the road, and then we’re looking forward to a big one on Sunday.”
Fort Lewis will play the No. 5 Colorado School of Mines at noon on Sunday in Golden.
The Fort Lewis College volleyball team continued its impressive home win record at Whalen Gymnasium as they swept Western State Colorado University 3-0, winning 25-20, 25-14 and 25-22.
The Skyhawks (7-11, 7-7 RMAC) tied a season-high 10 blocks as a team, and freshman outside hitter Tye Wedhorn sent back seven of them. Junior middle blocker Bailey Longacre and Wedhorn each led the way with 12 kills. The Mountaineers (2-12. 1-13 RMAC) hit just .116 percent in the match and had 21 errors. Senior setter Kendra Swackenberg finished with 37 assists while junior outside hitter Ohiyah Shirley paced FLC with 16 digs.
The Skyhawks will look to get above .500 in conference play when they take on Colorado Mesa at 5 p.m. Saturday at Whalen Gymnasium.
bploen@durangoherald.com
