BY TRISTAN SASSE
In their first game in 11 days, the Fort Hays State University women’s basketball team didn’t take long to control the pace against Bethany College on Saturday. The Tigers defeated the Swedes 68-39, and led from start to finish. The win also marked Fort Hays’ fourth straight victory.
Game Recap
FHSU took an early 7-0 lead, as Bethany missed their first five shots from the field. Both teams struggled from the floor early on and the Swedes pulled within three midway through the quarter. The Tigers set the tone by ending the quarter on a 10-2 run and took a 19-8 lead after one.
Fort Hays maintained a steady double-digit lead throughout the second quarter. With 6:02 remaining in the half, the Tigers held a 27-11 advantage. FHSU extended their lead to as many as 22, before heading into halftime with a 41-20 lead.
The Tigers shot 50% in the first half, while holding the Swedes to 29.2%. Additionally, FHSU out-rebounded Bethany 21-12, had 19 bench points, and forced eight turnovers in the opening half.
Early in the third quarter, Fort Hays increased the lead to 23. Bethany’s shooting woes persisted as they continued to shoot under 30%. Entering the fourth quarter, the Tigers held a sizeable 52-27 lead.
FHSU continued to grow its lead in the final quarter. The Tigers led by as many as 31 points before coming away with a commanding 68-39 victory.
By the Numbers
Fort Hays finished Saturday’s game shooting 47.2% overall while holding the Swedes to 26.1%. The Tigers forced 19 turnovers, had 35 bench points, and 15 more rebounds than Bethany.
Lanie Page led FHSU with 14 points in her debut with the Tigers. Page is a transfer from Kansas State University and a Wamego native. Tatyana Legette also contributed with 10 points and eight rebounds, while Kacey Kennett and Whitney Randall added nine points each.
For Bethany, Lauren Welsch finished with eight points and five rebounds. Sydney Ahaneku added six points.
Looking Ahead
On Wednesday, January 3, Bethany (8-8) will travel to Leavenworth, Kansas to take on the University of Saint Mary (7-7). Meanwhile, FHSU (11-2) will resume conference play from Warrensburg, Missouri, when they take on No. 11 Central Missouri (9-1) on January 4.