DENVER – The Fort Lewis men’s lacrosse team got back in the win column this weekend after knocking off Johnson & Wales and Colorado School of Mines in the Mile High City.

Johnson & Wales was up first, playing Saturday evening at the beautiful Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The Skyhawks were able to clinch a spot in the RMLC conference tournament by defeating the Wildcats, 14-4. Ian Bragdon led the way with four goals and three assists. Meanwhile, James Rott tallied four goals in the win.

The Skyhawks powered their way to the win behind six goals in the second quarter to give the team a 9-1 lead at half. Fort cruised in the second half to get the win.

Sunday proved to be a record setting day as senior Nick Wallen scored a career high seven goals to lead the Skyhawks to a 12-6 win over Colorado School of Mines. Wallen, who was a first team all-RMLC selection last year, improved his single-game career best, which was five goals against Northern Arizona last year.

Bragdon was a key contributor in feeding Wallen, ending the game with four assists. The Fort defense played a disciplined game behind Hayden Pike, who tied a season best with 9 saves.

Despite drawing 16 penalties, Mines was able to keep it close, trailing by only three at half. Wallen was able to put the game away in the fourth quarter, scoring three.

“We needed these results.” said Fort Lewis coach Tom Mudrak. “We got some good experience in California against great competition and I think we started to see the payoff this weekend in how we played.”

With Regis dropping their program this year and Colorado-Denver moving to the north division in re-alignment, the only remaining south division opponent on the Fort’s schedule is Metro State, who comes to Durango on April 1.