COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Adams State Women's Lacrosse had a tough outing in its 2019 season opener Saturday afternoon on the road. The Grizzlies fell to the UCCS Mountain Lions 24-1 to move to 0-1 to start the year.

Savannah Penland had the lone goal for the Grizzlies in the game with it coming in the first half. The Mountain Lions (1-0) got out ot a fast start in their home opener scoring 18 first HALF goals on 35 shot attempts. 26 of those shots were on goal. 

The first UCCS goal came with 26:34 on the clock. The early goal helped build momentum for UCCS as they scored eight more goals in the next seven minutes to jump out to a 9-0 edge.

Helping the Mountain Lions gain control on offense early was thanks in part to going 4-5 on clear attempts in the first 30 minutes of action. Defensively, they held the Grizzlies to 3-7 on clear attempts and forced 14 first half turnovers. Their defense also held the Grizzlies to just four shots in the first frame, three of which that came from Penland.

The lone Adams State goal came with 12:33 on the clock as Penland got by her defender to score the unassisted goal and cut the score to 12-1. The Mountain Lions added six more goals in the first half to take a 18-1 lead into the break.

The second half played into the favor of the home team as the Mountain Lions added six more goals in the final 30 minutes of play and shutout the Grizzlies for the 24-1 win. The home team took 20 shots in the second half, with 13 coming on goal.

The Grizzlies were held to just a pair of shots in the second half with one being on goal. Penland led the way for the Grizzlies with five shots on the day, four of which that were on goal. She also had two free position shots in the game. Madison Gerchow and Alexis Wellong each had a pair of ground ball pickups. Gerchow also led the team in draw controls with four.

Louisa Sanchez got the start in net for Adams State and played the whole game. She tallied 15 saves for the afternoon in 55 total shots faced, with 39 of them coming on goal. 

Nelson was the offensive leader for UCCS with five goals scored. She finished the game with seven shots taken and six came on goal. Three other UCCS players finished with three goals scored apiece. Natalie Church led the way in assists with four and scored one goal to go along with a game high seven draw controls. Brianna Martinez helped lead the defense causing four turnovers and scored three goals. 

Two Mountain Lions saw time in the net in starter Emma Becker and Kennedy Travis. Becker picked up the win in her start as she tallied three saves in the first half while allowing the one Grizzlies goal. Travis played the second half and notched a save.

The Grizzlies will have a quick turnaround as they are back in action Sunday, Feb. 17 for their second road game in as many days. They will head to Denver to take on Johnson & Wales. Game time is set for 12 p.m. against the Wildcats.