Fort Lewis College Women’s Soccer Aims for NCAA Tournament Comeback
The Fort Lewis College women’s soccer team is gearing up for an exciting season. They’re hoping to return to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2015.
Last season, the Skyhawks came close but just missed out on the tournament. Now they’re back with a mix of seasoned players and some promising newcomers.
Head coach Damian Clarke wants more regular-season wins this time. He’s hoping they won’t have to rely on a wild run through the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) tournament to get that NCAA spot.
Returning Talent and Key Players
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The Skyhawks look strong, bringing back their top four point scorers from last year. Ashlyn Salas led the team with 13 points but is recovering from shoulder surgery and will miss a few weeks.
The team stays optimistic, though. Other key players are ready to step up.
Abila Tapia
Abila Tapia returns after a standout sophomore season, finishing second on the team with 12 points. Her knack for scoring and setting up plays makes her a crucial part of the attack.
Josie Coulter and Abigail Nkrumah
Senior Josie Coulter and Abigail Nkrumah are back too. Each scored nine points last season.
Nkrumah, especially, is expected to take on a bigger role. Coach Clarke thinks she could easily double her stats with Salas out. Nkrumah creates chances for her teammates and keeps the offense moving.
New Faces and Rising Stars
The Skyhawks added several new recruits, mainly on offense. These fresh faces bring energy and depth, which they’ll need for the season ahead.
Ann Spence and Taylor Rittman
Junior Ann Spence is back after missing much of last season with an injury. She’s now in top form, and Clarke says she’s the fittest on the roster.
Spence already has three preseason goals. Taylor Rittman, who transferred from the University of New Mexico, also stands out. Her speed—honed from track and field—adds another dimension.
International Freshmen
Swedish freshmen Lova Sjölund and Molly Widmark join the squad, along with Australian freshman Isla Witham. They’re still getting used to the pace and physicality of college soccer.
It might take a little time, but they’re expected to make a real impact as the season moves along.
Defensive Strength and Goalkeeping Challenges
On defense, the Skyhawks return senior Rachel Peebles, junior Amber Otts, and senior Danielle Gonzales. Their experience will matter, especially with two freshmen in goal.
Freshman Goalkeepers
With the graduation of fifth-year goalkeepers Katlyn Rosenbaum and Riley Bravin, two freshmen now compete for the starting spot.
Lilliana Brinkmeier and Trinity Lujan are both in the mix. Right now, Lujan has edged ahead—she’s steady and brings a strong physical presence.
Season Outlook and Key Matches
The Skyhawks open at home against St. Mary’s University. They landed fifth in the RMAC preseason poll.
They’ll see familiar faces like Eastern New Mexico and Lubbock Christian before conference play starts. The early schedule won’t be easy, though.
They’re set to face last year’s national champ, Cal Poly Pomona, and 2023’s champion, Point Loma Nazarene, on a California trip. That’s a serious test right out of the gate.
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Preparation and Expectations
Coach Clarke feels good about how the team’s preparing. He knows the schedule is tough, but he likes the challenge.
He figures that playing strong teams early will push the Skyhawks to grow fast. If they can snag some big wins, it’ll give them the confidence and momentum they need for the rest of the season.
Final Thoughts
The Fort Lewis College women’s soccer team is heading into a season that promises both excitement and plenty of challenges. There’s a mix of seasoned players and some really promising newcomers this year.
The Skyhawks are aiming to get back into the NCAA tournament. It won’t be easy, but they’re determined to push through a tough schedule.
If you want a deeper dive into the Skyhawks’ season or want to check out player profiles, the original article has all the details here.