GUNNISON, Colo. – It took eight minutes for Western State Colorado University women's soccer to score on Sunday. It then took 82 minutes before the final whistle sounded and Western was named winners. The Mountaineers defeated Fort Lewis College 1-0 in the home opening match for Western.
 
Western (1-2-1, 0-0 RMAC) made quick work of the Skyhawk defense. Going south to north in the first half, the Mountaineers pushed the ball into the FLC (0-3-1, 0-0 RMAC) defensive third.
 
Just eight minutes into the match, Western's Paige Massey found Ingrid Alvarez on the right side of the penalty box. Alvarez shot went across the goal and finding the back of the net and putting the Mountaineers ahead 1-0.
 
The goal was Alvarez's first of the season and fifth of her career. It moves her into a tie with four others for most career goals scored in Western history. It was also her third career game-winning goal, which moves her into a tie for the second most game winners in the school record book.
 
The match against the Skyhawks was very even. Both teams created opportunities, but Western was able to capitalize.
 
FLC outshot Western 17-16, but the Mountaineers put one more shot on target, 10-9.
 
Western keeper, Emilie Eckhart picked up her first career victory, splitting time in net with Katie Simpson-Johnson.
 
Sunday was also the first shutout of the season for the Mountaineer defense.
 
Massey led the Mountaineers in shots with four.
 
Although the match was between two Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference members, the game was considered a non-conference competition. The Mountaineers and Skyhawks will play their conference match on Oct. 1 in Durango, Colorado.
 
Western continues the season with another home match this Friday against Black Hills State University in the RMAC opener for the Mountaineers.