PUEBLO, Colo. - The Colorado State University Pueblo women's basketball team left everything on the floor Wednesday night inside Massari Arena, but in a game that felt like March came early, the ThunderWolves came up just short in a 53-49 loss to Fort Lewis.
From the opening tip, it was clear this one would be a grind. Every cut was contested, every rebound was fought for, and every possession carried weight. The Pack matched the Skyhawks blow for blow in a game that featured nine ties and four lead changes, but neither team ever found much offensive rhythm in a defensive battle that never allowed the score to breathe.
CSU Pueblo edged in front 13-12 after the first quarter, setting the tone with defensive intensity and effort on the glass. Laci Roffle made her presence felt early around the rim, while Ruby Sweeney-Spitzeck knocked down a timely three to help the Pack hold the narrow lead.
The second quarter shifted momentum. Fort Lewis shot efficiently and capitalized on key turnovers, slowly building a cushion. The Skyhawks closed the half strong to take a 28-23 lead into the locker room, leaving the Pack searching for a spark.
They found it in the third.
Out of halftime, the ThunderWolves played with urgency. Genesis Sweetwine attacked downhill and buried a clutch three-pointer to tie the game at 30-30 midway through the period, igniting the home crowd. Dasani Nesbit added a strong interior finish, and CSU Pueblo strung together stops to claw back into the game. The Pack outscored Fort Lewis 18-15 in the quarter, trimming the deficit to just 43-41 heading into the final 10 minutes.
But the fourth quarter turned into a true slugfest.
Every basket was earned. Every whistle mattered. The Pack struggled to find consistent offense down the stretch, shooting just 2-of-14 in the final period. Despite holding Fort Lewis to only 10 fourth-quarter points, the ThunderWolves could never quite regain control. A couple of key second-chance opportunities and free throws allowed the Skyhawks to hold on in the closing moments.
Sweetwine led CSU Pueblo with 13 points, knocking down three shots from beyond the arc. Roffle added nine points and a team-high nine rebounds, battling inside all night. Nesbit chipped in eight points and played nearly 30 minutes, helping steady the offense during the third-quarter surge.
As a team, the Pack shot 33.3 percent from the field and 23.8 percent from three-point range, while converting 10-of-14 free throws. They were narrowly outrebounded 36-33 and allowed 34 points in the paint — small margins that proved costly in a four-point game.
The loss drops CSU Pueblo to 13-14 overall and 9-10 in RMAC play. Despite the setback, the ThunderWolves are not officially eliminated from RMAC Tournament contention. However, their postseason fate is no longer entirely in their own hands. The Pack will need help from around the league on Saturday in addition to taking care of business at home.
That opportunity comes quickly.
CSU Pueblo returns to Massari Arena on Saturday to host Adams State on Senior Day. Before tipoff, the program will honor Seneya Martinez, Genesis Sweetwine, Ruby Sweeney-Spitzeck, and Destiny Smith — four seniors who have helped shape this season's identity.
With tournament hopes still alive and emotions certain to run high, Saturday sets the stage for one more meaningful afternoon in Pueblo. For the Pack, the mission is simple: win, and see how the rest of the RMAC shakes out.
