ALAMOSA, Colo. (April 15^th, 2017) --- The Adams State women's lacrosse team found themselves in a shootout this afternoon with the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Despite trailing early, the Grizzlies were able to put together six goals in the second half on the way to an 8-6 win.
 
Vanessa Nelson scored the first goal of the game for the Mountain Lions (4-9, 0-8 RMAC) to put them up 1-0. Cera Cyester would match her two minutes later to even things up. UCCS then scored twice before Cyster could again add a goal for the Grizzlies (2-10, 1-6 RMAC) with an assist from Mireya Castro just before the end of one. The halftime score was a manageable 3-2 score in favor of the Mountain Lions.
 
UCCS came out hot in the second half, quickly adding two more goals in the opening minutes to increase their lead to three. Facing their largest deficit of the game, the Grizzlies would tear off a 4-0 offensive swing. Mireya Castro, Jessica Hammer, Cera Cyester, and Angela Gallegos all scored over a 12 minute time frame as the defense allowed nothing for the visitors. Impressively, Gallegos scored with a player down due to a yellow card. The Mountain Lions ended the run and tied the game 6-6 with only 12:17 remaining. Jessica Hammer broke the tie with 5:35 remaining in the game. Now leading 7-6, Adams State tried desperately to run down some clock. Savannah Penland had a different strategy however, as she put the nail in the coffin with another goal late in the half. UCCS would only get the ball one more time, but failed a clear attempt as Adams State dominated the final four minutes to secure the win.
 
The win gives the Grizzlies back-to-back home wins for the first time in program history.
 
Cera Cyester led the way offensively with three goals off of 10 shots. Jessica Hammer also had a monster game with two goals, one ground ball, and eight draw controls that were key in the team's comeback. As a team ASU out-shot UCCS 24-16, caused 12 turnovers, and dominated the draw controls 12-4.
 
Head coach, Angelica Gero had this to say, "This game was a perfect reflection of the effort, discipline, and hustle of my team coming together. We worked so hard on both sides of the field, and really played for each other. Castro was awesome on the draw with huge support from the Hammer sisters. The heart was present from start to finish, and that's what wins games."
 
The team remains at home for the rest of the season. Up next is Regis at 3:00PM at the ASU Lacrosse Field.     
 
For all future updates, log on to www.asugrizzlies.com