CSU-Pueblo can't convert late rally against sixth-ranked Fort Lewis.

PUEBLO, Colo. (GoThunderWolves.com - Feb. 10, 2012) - In a battle between two of the conference's top women's basketball teams, the ThunderWolves' second-half rally fell short as the Pack fell 61-55 to Fort Lewis.

The sixth-ranked Skyhawks backed up their ranking but not before sweating it out against a Pack team that was looking for their first regular season victory against Fort Lewis since 2007.

The Skyhawks jumped out to an early lead by putting pressure on the Pack up-and-down the court, which eventually led to turnovers. The Pack committed 13 turnovers in the first half and saw themselves down 16 points at the break, 40-24.

But this year's edition of ThunderWolves women's basketball is a relentless bunch as they also used defensive pressure in the second half to force the Skyhawks into eight turnovers.

The turnovers allowed the Pack to seriously threaten in the second half with a constant diet of post work led by Laurel Kearsley (Jr., Victor, Idaho). Kearsley used a mid-range jumper and a series of post moves to finish the game with a game-high 18 points.

Kearsley also fell one rebound shy of finishing with her fourth career double-double.

But as good teams do, the Skyhawks gritted their teeth through the run by the Pack to pull out the win.

The Skyhawks were led by Dana Schreibvogel, who finished with 16 points and six rebounds. Mary Rose Paiz also paced the Skyhawks with 12 points and six rebounds.

Erica Hicks (Sr., Lakewood, Colo.) also played a solid game as she was the only other double-digit scorer for the Pack, finishing with 13 points.

The Pack, now 17-4, will finish the weekend off with a game Saturday when they host traditional rival Adams State. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.