ALAMOSA, Colo. – Adams State Women's Lacrosse dropped a hard fought contest at home Friday afternoon in a 16-1 loss to rival Fort Lewis College.
 
The Grizzlies (0-9, 0-5 RMAC) ran with the Skyhawks (2-5, 2-4 RMAC) for much of the game and had multiple shot opportunities. Helping the Skyhawks earn the road win was a 26-15 shots advantage with a 24-11 shots on goal edge.
 
Adams State came out with solid defense to start the game forcing a shot clock violation and keeping Fort Lewis from getting shots off early in the possession. The visitors were also strong on defense as well and it was a scoreless affair early on.
 
The Skyhawks ended the drought with a goal at the 25:13 mark of the first period. They used the early momentum to build a slim 2-0 lead through the first 10 minutes of play. The Grizzlies continued to battle and trailed only 4-0 at the midway point of the frame.
 
Adams State surrendered five more goals before scoring its lone goal of the contest. Trailing 9-0, the Grizzlies found the back on the net with 5:08 to play thanks to quick shot from Esperanza Reyes who played the clean pass from Madison Gerchow.
 
The Skyhawks managed to add two more goals in final five minutes of the first half to take a 11-1 lead into the break. The Grizzlies defense managed to force seven first half turnovers but had 13 of their own.
 
Defense was solid once again for the Grizzlies as they held to the Skyhawks to just five second half goals. Their offense once again had opportunities with seven shots overall and six coming on goal but they were unable to add another goal. The Grizzlies were barely edged out in groundball, 20-18, and in draw controls, 11-6.
 
Reyes and Gerchow each had a point in the game to lead the Grizzlies offense. Alexis Wellong had the most shots with six overall and five coming on goals. Reyes and Savannah Penland each tallied, while Gerchow had two. Tara Sowards also added one shot with it being on goal.

In net, Louisa Sanchez notched eight saves to go along with three caused turnovers. Terra Iverson added two to help anchor the defense, while Gerchow, Wellong, and Emily Motz each had one. Sanchez and Wellong also led the team in groundballs with four each, while Gerchow and Penland eahc had three.Gerchow also had four draw control wins for the game.
 
Abby Escandon and Delaney Benson each had four goals for a hat trick to lead Fort Lewis. Escandon had six points on two assists as well, while Benson notched one assist for five points. Ann Nelson and Maren Clark each had three goals and combined for three assists as well. Goalkeeper Daris Wink had a 10 saves in the win.
 
The Grizzlies will be on the road for their next two games with the first being this Sunday, April 14 at Colorado Mesa. Game time against the Mavericks is set for 2 p.m.