by Angela Roberts
LAS VEGAS, N.M. – Opening the 2022-23 season at the RMAC/Lone Star Conference Challenge, the Fort Lewis College women’s basketball team was topped by Eastern New Mexico University by a 73-58 final from the John A. Wilson Complex on the campus of host team New Mexico Highlands.
Fort Lewis shot 42.3 percent (22-of-52) from the field and 33.3 percent (6-of-18) from through compared to clips of 39.7 percent (23-of-58) and 30.4 percent (7-of-23) for ENMU. The game’s difference maker came via the free throws where the Greyhounds made 20 to just eight for the Skyhawks. ENMU also held the 33-28 edge in rebounds.
“Today proved the Kelsey (Sorenson) is a great leader for us, and the work she’s putting in behind the scenes is impactful on our roster,” said head coach Taylor Harris. “Our leadership will only grow as Alyssa (Adams) is close to returning from injury. We also add experience from players like Brooke (McGee), Ember (Cervantes), and Ava (Strange). The culture on this team is healthy and allows our fresh faces to have people to look up to.”
Junior Kelsey Sorenson led the team with 17 points, three shy of a career-high, to go along with nine rebounds. Freshman Lanae Billy (Navajo) had an impressive showing in her collegiate debut, putting up 12 points courtesy of four three-pointers. From there, Fort Lewis had nine additional players score throughout the contest, including points from five newcomers.
“Lanae played with great confidence as a freshman,” said Harris. “It’s not easy in your first college game, but she did a remarkable job of being aggressive and poised under pressure. She’s going to be a great Skyhawks, and this is just the beginning.”
