No. 6 Tigers wrap up 2018 with best start in program history

FHSU Athletics
Ryan Prickett, Sports Information Director

HAYS – The sixth-ranked women’s basketball team showed no rust after the 12-day holiday break, jumping out to a 24-6 lead after one quarter before going on to double up Bethany College Sunday, 84-41. The Tigers head into the new year with an 11-0 record, setting a program record for consecutive wins to start a season.

The Tigers were firing on all cylinders in every aspect of the game, knocking down 43.7 percent from the floor (31-of-71) while totaling 15 blocks and 14 steals on the defensive end. The 15 blocks are the most in a game for the Tigers in almost exactly two years (15 vs. Kansas Christian, 12/31/16). Eleven Tigers scored in the victory, including five in double figures for just the second time this season.

Fort Hays State set the tone early, knocking down eight of its first 12 shots on the offensive end while limiting the Swedes to 1-of-6 from the floor and five turnovers over the first seven minutes of the contest. After Lanie Page knocked down a pull-up jumper after corralling the opening rebound, the Swedes quickly answered to tie the game up for the only time. Tatyana Legette poured in a triple off a pass from Page two possessions later, and the rout was on. After the Swedes knocked down just their second field goal late in the opening quarter, the Tiger scored the final six points to take a 24-6 lead after 10 minutes of play.

The Tigers went on to extend the run to 12-0 after six-straight points started the second quarter, including another deep shot from Legette, to put the Tigers in front by 24, 30-6. Bethany went on a quick 9-0 run to close within 15, but Fort Hays State didn’t let the slump last long. The Tigers closed the half on a 15-3 run, including 10-straight points to close the quarter and lead 48-21 at halftime.

Five points from Kacey Kennett helped the Tigers score the first 12 points of the second half, stretching the Fort Hays State run to a season-best 22-consecutive points. Whitney Randall took over later in the third quarter, scoring on four-straight possessions to pad the lead to 68-26. Whitney Clampitt finished the quarter with a fast break layup after a steal from Taylor Rolfs, padding the Tiger advantage to 70-29 with 10 minutes to play.

Page led all scorers with 13 points while Belle Barbieri, Randall and Clampitt all added 11 points each. Legette also reached double figures, chipping in 10 points to go along with four assists, four rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Carly Heim swiped four steals, three of which came early in the first quarter to help the Tigers pull away. Robin Ritsema matched her career-high with four blocks in the win.

After six-straight home games, the Tigers will hit the road for the first time in more than a month when they travel to Warrensburg, Mo. to take on No. 15 Central Missouri on Thursday, Jan. 3 at 5:30 p.m.

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