The Fort Lewis College women’s basketball team suffered a disappointing defeat against Western Colorado, losing 78-61 at home on January 5, 2026. The game marked the Skyhawks’ first outing after a three-week break over the Christmas holiday, revealing challenges in both offensive and defensive strategies.
Despite a strong start, the Skyhawks struggled to maintain momentum throughout the match. They managed to stay competitive in the first three quarters by capitalizing on turnovers, but faltered in the fourth quarter as Western Colorado’s effective shooting and free-throw success pulled them ahead decisively.
Strong performances by the Mountaineers, particularly from Ivey Schmidt, the RMAC’s leading scorer, proved difficult for Fort Lewis to contend with. Schmidt finished with 25 points, shooting 5 of 13 from the field, including 4 of 4 from beyond the arc. Her ability to draw fouls was instrumental, contributing to a total of 38 free-throw attempts for Western Colorado, compared to just 18 for Fort Lewis.
Fort Lewis College head coach Lauren Zuniga expressed her disappointment post-game, emphasizing the team’s high expectations. “When it becomes game time, that should be your opportunity to showcase everything that we’ve been working on,” she stated. “We just didn’t do that tonight. We were just one step behind.”
The Skyhawks’ shooting statistics highlighted their struggles, with the team managing only 35% from the field, 18% from 3-point range, and 50% from the free-throw line. Currently, Fort Lewis holds the lowest free-throw percentage in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, a trend that Zuniga hopes to reverse.
Sophomore guard Katie Lamb led the Skyhawks with 11 points on 4 of 11 shooting, alongside seven rebounds. Despite her efforts, the team could not find the rhythm needed to keep pace with Western Colorado’s offensive efficiency.
The game started with Western Colorado taking an early lead, finishing the first quarter ahead at 19-15. Fort Lewis struggled with possession issues, losing the ball on drives and committing turnovers that allowed the Mountaineers to capitalize and extend their lead.
As the second quarter progressed, the Skyhawks fought back, narrowing the deficit to 33-28 before heading into halftime trailing 36-28. The third quarter saw Fort Lewis improve defensively, with a layup by freshman Alemanualii Fonoti bringing the score to 39-35 midway through.
Unfortunately, Western Colorado responded effectively, maintaining their lead with a combination of strong drives to the basket and proficient free-throw shooting. The Mountaineers consistently drew fouls and converted opportunities at the line, with Schmidt particularly adept at creating contact.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, the Skyhawks faced challenges with fouls and offensive execution. Despite moments of promise, including a buzzer-beating layup from freshman Josie Davis at the end of the third quarter, Fort Lewis could not close the gap.
Zuniga noted the difficulties her team faced, particularly in adjusting to the officials’ calls and maintaining discipline on the court. “If we would have gone inside, who knows? Maybe we would have had 38 free throws,” she reflected.
Looking ahead, Fort Lewis College will have another opportunity to improve as they prepare to face Westminster on January 7, 2026. The Skyhawks will aim to rectify their shooting woes and bolster their defensive strategies in search of a crucial conference win.
