DURANGO, Colo. - University of Colorado Colorado Springs senior
Taylor Braden took seven shots with four on goal, and senior goalkeeper
Brandi Arsenault made a season-high 12 saves, but a shot by Fort Lewis 13 seconds into overtime would result in a 1-0 loss for the Mountain Lions at Dirks Field. Braden's and Arsenault's numbers both rank in the top 10 for single-game performances in UCCS history.
Both teams combined for 33 shots with 22 on goal, with the Skyhawks hold the advantages in both categories 20-13 and 13-9, respectively. The Mountain Lions put quality shots on the Skyhawks with back-to-back shots on goal in the ninth minute and a shot that hit the post in the 26th minute. Arsenault made seven saves in the first half as UCCS and Fort Lewis ended the half tied 0-0.
The Mountain Lions held a 6-5 shot-on-goal advantage during the next 45 minutes, including one from
Lo Vyvlecka with three seconds left in regulation. UCCS was selective with its shots with only two other shots in the half going wide of the net. Fort Lewis put two shots on the board in the final 10 minutes compared to five from UCCS, but the teams went to overtime for the first time since 2012 tied at 0-0. The Skyhawks scored 13 seconds into the overtime period for the 1-0 decision.
Braden's seven shots tied for the seventh-most in UCCS history and her four shots on goal is tied for fifth. Arsenault's 12 saves tied her for fifth and were the most for a Mountain Lion keeper in more than two years.
The Mountain Lions are tied for third in the RMAC standings with New Mexico Highlands with 13 points. Fort Lewis moved into first with 15 points and Colorado Mines is second with 14 points.
UCCS will return home for a pair of conference games on Friday with Colorado Mesa and on Saturday with Westminster.