BY TRISTAN SASSE
After suffering their first loss of the season on Wednesday against Washburn, the Fort Hays State University women’s basketball team was back in action on Saturday, December 9 against the Emporia State Hornets. Trailing by as many as 11 in the fourth quarter, the Tigers regained the lead before falling 73-70. FHSU has dropped two straight matches after beginning the season 7-0.
Game Recap
The Tigers held a 9-8 advantage with both teams shooting over 60% from the field in the early minutes. Emporia State followed with six straight points to acquire their largest lead of the quarter, at 14-9. FHSU ended the quarter on a 10-3 run to lead 19-16 after one.
Emma Stroyan led all players with 11 first quarter points. Entering Saturday, Stroyan averaged 6.9 points per game.
Fort Hays began the second quarter with seven straight points. Midway through the quarter, the Hornets cut the deficit to 28-25. Emporia State ended the first half on 14-4 run to knot the game up at 30 heading into halftime.
The Tigers shot 35% in the opening half and had 10 turnovers, but the Hornets had 11 turnovers of their own. Emporia State’s Tyra Jones led all scorers with 14 first-half points and four rebounds.
To begin the second half, the Hornets took the edge at 36-30. Emporia State led for the entire third quarter. The Tigers were outscored 25-14 in the quarter and the Hornets led 55-44 heading into the final quarter.
Down but not out, the Tigers pulled within four after a pair of free throws by Tatyana Legette at the 6:15 mark. Seconds later, a three-point play by Stroyan brought FHSU within one, at 60-59. With 3:54 remaining, the game was tied for the first time since halftime.
Each team continued to trade baskets in the following minutes. The Hornets led 71-69 with 45 seconds left. A Jones free throw gave ESU a three-point lead, but Legette followed by connecting on 1-of-2 free throws of her own. With 25 seconds remaining, the Hornets were ahead 72-70.
After a foul by FHSU, Jacee Kramer made 1-of-2 free throws. Down three, Taylor Rolfs missed a three-pointer as time expired to give the Hornets and 73-70 victory.
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By the Numbers
Emporia State shot 47.4%, while FHSU finished at 38.7%. The Hornets had a total of 38 points in the paint and forced 16 turnovers. Fort Hays had 14 offensive rebounds, but was out-rebounded overall, 34-33.
For the Hornets, Jones led all players with 25 points and six rebounds. Emily Miller added 17 points and three steals.
For FHSU, Stroyan had 18 points and six rebounds. Rolfs added 17 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Legette contributed with 16 points, four rebounds, and four blocks.
Looking Ahead
On Wednesday, the Tigers (7-2 overall, 2-2 MIAA) will host the Tabor Bluejays (8-2). Additionally, Emporia State (6-2, 2-0) will travel to Jefferson City, Missouri to take on the Lincoln University Blue Tigers (3-6, 0-2).