GUNNISON, Colo. – The Western State Colorado University women's basketball team was unable to edge the Fort Lewis Skyhawks Saturday in Paul Wright Gym. The Skyhawks used 44 points off turnovers to take an 84-45 victory over the Mountaineers.
 
Western (3-4, 1-4 RMAC) was able to remain within striking distance of FLC (7-3, 3-2 RMAC) in the first half, due in large part to the Mountaineers' outside shooting. Western shot 71.4 percent (5-of-7) from beyond the arc in the first half. Taylor Long (So., Moreno Valley, California) and Sadie Stroup (Jr., Foresthill, California) each contributed two of those three-point field goals.
 
The Skyhawks took control of the game in the second half and outscored Western 19-8 in the third quarter. FLC used the fast break as a weapon, scoring 23 points in transition.
 
Leading Western in scoring was Sydnie Lengyel (Jr., Tempe, Arizona). The junior forward scored 10 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
 
FLC had five players score in double figures, led by Kate Bayes' 12 points.
 
Western will face Chadron State College and Regis University on the road next weekend.