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Shutout sets up FLC-Mines semifinal
The first playoff match for the Colorado-Colorado Springs women’s soccer program turned out to be a 3-0 loss to Fort Lewis. Hayley Hollenga, Sam Smith and Torrey Lawson scored in a span of less than four minutes in the first half on Wednesday in Durango in the opening round of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament.
The Skyhawks will meet the Colorado School of Mines at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Auraria Field on the campus of Metropolitan State College of Denver in the RMAC semifinals. Regis University defeated Mesa State 1-0 in Wednesday’s other opening-round game and will face Metro State at noon Friday at Auraria Field.
In just their second season, the Mountain Lions earned the No. 6 seed in the conference playoffs. Fort Lewis improved to 17-2-2, 13-2-2. UCCS’ season ended at 7-10-1, 6-10-1 in the RMAC.
At the 29:24 mark, Hollenga broke the scoreless tie by getting behind the Mountain Lions’ defense to chase down an over-the-top pass by Ashley Kniffen. Hollenga found herself in a one-on-one situation with UCCS goalkeeper Kayla Millar and slid the shot home.
Just 1 minute, 26 seconds later, Smith collected a loose ball on the right side and converted her shot just inside the far post. Another 2:13 passed when Lawson pounded home the rebound of a shot by Jamie MacArthur.
Three minutes, 39 seconds of dominance by Fort Lewis brought a season that began in early August to an end.
Millar, who finished with seven saves, and the Mountain Lions held Fort Lewis scoreless the rest of the way but were unable to generate anything offensively. The Skyhawks skillfully protected their lead, allowing just five shots. The only shot that went on goal was Josi Heer’s attempt just 6:50 into the match.
Christine Schmelzle and Kelcie Woodson combined on the shutout.
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