LAS VEGAS, N.M. — Fort Lewis defeated Western New Mexico University, 83-57, at the John A. Wilson Complex, in the Conference Crossover hosted by New Mexico Highlands.

The game began with Fort Lewis establishing a strong presence, quickly taking control with a 31–9 lead by the end of the first quarter.  Despite some efforts from Jordan Sapien (El Paso, TX/Pebble Hills High School), who contributed with a jumper and two successful free throws in the final seconds, the team faced challenges converting possessions and managing turnovers, recording seven in the quarter.

Western New Mexico gained momentum early in the second quarter as Yvanna Villarreal (Las Cruces, NM/Organ Mountain High School) connected on a three-pointer, assisted by Sapien, at 9:47. Sapien continued to contribute significantly, adding a layup at 7:10, which narrowed the gap. Despite these efforts, the Mustangs faced challenges with turnovers, accumulating seven in the quarter, which Fort Lewis capitalized on to maintain their lead. The quarter concluded with Fort Lewis ahead, 48–25.

The Mustangs mounted a significant push in the third quarter, narrowing the gap with a 16-point effort. Teeya Gordon (Alamogordo, NM/Alamogordo High School) led the charge with a pair of layups, assisted by Sapien, and Villarreal contributed with a three-pointer at the 1:35 mark, aiding the Mustangs in closing the quarter with a slight edge. Despite Fort Lewis maintaining a steady scoring pace, the Mustangs capitalized on their opportunities in the paint, ending the quarter trailing 62–41.

In the fourth quarter, WNMU made a concerted effort to close the gap, highlighted by Villarreal's 3-pointer at 1:57, assisted by Brelee Nichols (Huffman, TX/Hargrave High School), reducing FLC's lead. Despite Villarreal's contribution and Nadia Randall's (Albuquerque, NM/Sandia High School) late scoring surge, which included a layup and a 3-pointer, the Mustangs faced challenges maintaining possession, committing five turnovers. The game concluded with Fort Lewis securing the victory, 83-57.

Villarreal scored 21 points, including three 3-pointers, and added four rebounds. Sapien recorded 18 points and contributed with six free throws and two steals. Gordon finished with nine points and collected six rebounds. Randall posted seven points, making one 3-pointer.

FLC's Josie Davis led with nine points, contributing significantly on defense with three steals and two blocks, while also grabbing seven rebounds. Claudia Palacio Gamez added ten points and facilitated the offense with four assists, alongside two steals. Savanna Dotray scored ten points, efficiently making two 3-pointers on two attempts. Katie Lamb provided eight points and three steals, complementing her performance with three assists.

The Mustangs are now 0-1 overall. Fort Lewis starts the season at 1-0.

Their next game will take place on Saturday Nov. 15 as they face New Mexico Highlands University in the Conference Crossover at 6 p.m. in Las Vegas, N.M.