ALAMOSA, Colo. - Adams State Women's Basketball is back on the hardwood this weekend as the Grizzlies are set to open RMAC play. The Grizzlies (0-2) will look to earn their first win of the 2018-19 season to build momentum into conference play.

OPPONENT: Fort Lewis College Skyhawks (3-2, 0-0 RMAC)

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018 - 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Alamosa, Colo. - Plachy Hall Gymnasium

Tip-Off
The Grizzlies are out to an 0-2 start the 2018-19 campaign as they get set to host the Fort Lewis College Skyhawks to start conference play. They have played in four games overall but two only counted as exhibition games. Adams State opened up the season with an exhibition tune-up at Division I Utah Valley and are coming off an exhibition game against Northern New Mexico on Nov. 16.

Their two losses are against a pair of Missouri schools in Rockhurst and William Jewell. The season opener for the Grizzlies was a high-scoring one as it took two overtimes to determine a winner. The Hawks held on for the 82-79 meeting as late turnovers and missed opportunities cost the Grizzlies from securing the win. The only other loss for the Grizzlies came by way of a 67-52 decision against William Jewell. A fast start by the Cardinals in the first half proved to be the difference maker in their win over the Grizzlies.

Despite the 0-2 start, Adams State had a number of positives to showcase what is to possibly come under first year Head Coach Jaime Green. Through two games officially played, three players are averaging double figure points to start the year. Stephanie Ruiz leads the way with a 17.5 points per contest average which fifth best in the RMAC. She is also eighth in the RMAC in three-point field goal percentage at .227. Behind Ruiz in scoring is Marshell Hollins at 13.5 points per game. Zakiya Beckles rounds out the list with an 10.0 points per game. The guard trio will look to be factors as RMAC play opens up.

Cleaning up the boards for the Grizzlies is Ki'asha Harris with an average of 8.0 rebounds per game which is tied for fourth-most in the RMAC. She has been even on both offense and defense when rebounding. She averages 3.5 offensive boards a game to go along with a 4.5 boards on the defensive end. Harris' rebounding has complimented her offensive scoring as she averages 7.0 points per game for the Grizzlies.

Leading the way in assists is Brooke Neal at 4.0 per contest to go along with 8.5 points per game. Her 4.0 assists per is contest is fourth in the conference. Ruiz is the team leader in steals with an average of 3.0 per game which is second best in the conference as well.

As a team, Adams State is averaging 65.5 points per game on 43.2% shooting. The team's 43.2 shooting percentage is fifth best in the RMAC so far. Defensively though, they are giving up 74.5 points per game to the opposition early on, while holding them to 42.5% shooting.

Scouting the Skyhawks
The Skyhawks started the 2018-19 season dropping their first two games, both of which in close fashion. Western New Mexico edged Fort Lewis 70-68 in overtime in the season opener. The Skyhawks second loss came against Eastern New Mexico, 58-55. Since then, they have won their last three games and are riding a wave of momentum entering Saturday's match-up with the Grizzlies.

Fort Lewis' three wins have come against Northern New Mexico College (92-46), University of the Southwest (94-46), and New Mexico Highlands (77-64). The Skyhaws win against the Cowgirls was a non-conference matchup but counted toward their region record.

The pair of Alyssa Yocky and Jordan carter lead the way in scoring for the Skyhawks. Yocky leads the way with an average of 14.4 points per game, while Carter is not far behind her at an even 13.0 points per contest. Yocky's scoring average is 11th in the RMAC. Both players are shooting over 50% so far this season. Yocky is at a 58.7 shooting percentage, while carter is just over 50% at 50.9. Both rank in the top-10 in the conference at fourth and 10th, respectively.

The top rebounder is Kayla Herrera with an average of 7.6 boards per game, which is eighth in the RMAC. Right behind her is Yocky who is grabbing 6.6 per game. Carter is right in the mix as well with 5.4 per contest. Herrera is also the team's leading assists getter with an average of 3.6 per game. Her average sits seventh in the conference. Defensively, Yocky has the most steals with 13 total for an average of 2.6 per game. Her 2.6 steals per game is third best in the RMAC.

As a unit, the Skyhawks 77.2 points per game average is third-most in conference, while their 56.8 average points allowed is fifth in the RMAC. They boast one the conference's best offense's and defense's. They shoot 40.3% from the floor and hold their opposition to just 34.7%. 

Up Next
The Grizzlies will hit the road next weekend for a pair of RMAC games. They take on Colorado State-Pueblo on Dec. 7 and New Mexico Highlands on Dec. 8. Both games are set for a 5:30 p.m. tip-off.