By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
The 13th-ranked Fort Hays State women’s basketball team faces off with a ranked opponent for the second time this season Wednesday (Jan. 15) when the Tigers host No. 15 Emporia State. First tip between the in-state rivals is set for 5:30 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.
Promotions
Game Sponsor: American Family Insurance – Brian Ruder Agency
National Anthem: Holy Family Elementary
ZOOperstars! to perform at both halftimes
The Tigers (13-2, 4-2 MIAA) and Lady Hornets (12-2, 5-0 MIAA) are riding two of the longest winning streaks in the conference, with ESU winners of nine straight and FHSU victorious in seven in a row. One of Emporia State’s victories during that stretch was a 73-69 win over the Tigers in Emporia, which was the last loss for the Tigers (12/7/19).
While Emporia State holds a 51-34 lead in the all-time series, the Tigers lead 20-19 in games played in Hays. FHSU has won four straight at home against ESU, tied for the longest such stretch in program history (1988-93). FHSU is 8-18 against the Lady Hornets under head coach Tony Hobson, including a 6-5 mark inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. The home team has won eight-straight in the series.
Jaden Hobbs leads the team and ranks third in the MIAA with 4.4 assists per game, while Belle Barbieri leads the conference in both double-doubles (5) and rebounds (8.9 rpg). Taylor Rolfs and Kacey Kennett are each playing in their 10th game against Emporia State Wednesday. Rolfs averages 9.7 points per game against the Lady Hornets, including a career-high 28 points on six 3-pointers in the most recent meeting, while Kennett has added 6.4 points per contest.
The Lady Hornets have continued to roll since their home win over FHSU last month, winning each of their last nine games. Their last loss came nearly two months ago (11/19/19, 77-68 @ USF). ESU is one of two remaining unbeaten teams in MIAA play. The Lady Hornets rank fifth in the league with 76.6 points per night, just behind the Tigers in fifth. They lead the league and rank fourth in the country with 14.9 steals per game. ESU sits just in front of Fort Hays State nationally in turnover margin, ranking second at +11.5. The Lady Hornets knock down an average of 9.5 3-pointers per game, 12th-most in DII. Redshirt-freshman Tre’Zure Jobe leads the team with an average of 17.7 points per game, second-most in the MIAA. She has earned MIAA Player of the Week honors three times.