BY TRISTAN SASSE
Looking to avenge a loss earlier this season to the Washburn Ichabods, the Fort Hays State University women’s basketball team was back in action on Saturday, February 3. Due in large part to a strong second quarter, the Tigers defeated the Ichabods 66-47. With the victory, FHSU is now on a six game winning streak and 12-1 at home on the season. On the other hand, Washburn has lost seven of their past nine games.
Game Recap
Washburn made its first three shots, but the game was tied at seven three minutes in. The Ichabods continued a strong shooting performance though and stormed out to a 12-7 lead in part of a 7-0 run. FHSU ended the quarter with an 11-5 run and held an 18-17 advantage after the first quarter.
The burst continued by the Tigers, as Fort Hays scored the first 14 points of the second quarter. With three minutes until halftime, FHSU held a 32-17 lead. Fort Hays outscored the Ichabods 20-3 in the quarter and rolled into halftime with a 38-20 lead.
The Tigers shot 46.9% in the first half, while holding Washburn to 26.7%, including 1-of-13 in the second quarter. Additionally, FHSU won the rebounding battle 21-19 and forced nine first-half turnovers.
Emma Stroyan led FHSU with 11 points. Carly Heim added eight points and Taylor Rolfs had seven points and five rebounds off the bench. Tatyana Legette had four points and four rebounds. For the Ichabods, Alexis McAfee led Washburn with five points. Cara Donley and Reagan Phelan had five points each.
The Tigers extended their margin to 21 points early in the third quarter. Both teams struggled from the field to start the second half, as FHSU maintained a 45-24 lead midway through the quarter. Washburn responded with a 6-0 run, but the Tigers answered with a 9-0 run to end the quarter. Entering the final quarter, Fort Hays had a commanding 54-30 advantage.
With the game already well out of reach, FHSU preserved a comfortable lead throughout the final quarter. The Tigers led 60-41 with five minutes remaining. At the end of the day, Fort Hays cruised to a 66-47 victory.
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By the Numbers
Overall, FHSU shot 39.1%, while Washburn finished at 30.5%. The Tigers also had a 44-39 rebounding edge. Both teams had 12 assists, but Fort Hays forced 13 Ichabod turnovers.
Leading the Tigers, Heim finished with a game-high 20 points. Stroyan added 15 points, while Rolfs ended with 13 points and six rebounds. Belle Barbieri led all players with nine rebounds. For the Ichabods, Phelan had 10 points and three rebounds. Axelle Bernard and Mackenzie Loe each finished with eight points. Bernard also had seven rebounds.
Looking Ahead
Up next, the Tigers (18-4 overall, 9-4 in MIAA) will travel to Tahlequah, Oklahoma to take on the Northeastern State RiverHawks (9-11, 5-8). Meanwhile, the Ichabods (14-8, 6-7) will return to Topeka to host the Missouri Western Griffons (11-11, 4-9).