Box Score

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team was led by a great perimeter shooting effort and stingy defense in their season opening victory against Doane College. The Tigers jumped out to a 15-2 lead early and increased that lead to 20 points by halftime en route to a 77-47 victory.

FHSU was 24-of-63 (38.1) from the field for the game, but 14-of-32 (43.8%) from long distance, including a 7-of-13 (53.8%) mark in the second half. The Tigers also forced Doane into 29 turnovers. One weakness for the Tigers was at the foul line where they made 15-of-25 (60.0%). Free throws were a strength of the Tigers last season when they led the MIAA at 76.6%.

Leading the way offensively for the Tigers was Kara McFarland. McFarland was 5-of-6 from the field, including 4-of-4 from behind the three point line. She also grabbed four rebounds, had four steals and blocked two shots before fouling out in 19 minutes. Kelsie Sorenson chipped in a career-high 12 points and four rebounds in her first career start. Traci Keyser and Rhys Pihl also added 11 points for the Tigers.

Janel Durler was a force in the post for the Tigers against an undersized Doane team, scoring six points and grabbing four rebounds to go along with five blocks. Durler was also getting her first start as a member of the Tigers. 

Doane was led by a double-double from Madara Upeniece who had 20 points and 13 rebounds. Doane actually out rebounded FHSU 40-36 but their poor shooting and ball security cost them. Doane shot just 34% from the field (18-of-53) and 21.4% from deep (3-of-14). 

The women's team now has a quick turnaround, with a Wednesday (Nov. 17) matchup against Tabor College. Tip time is set for 7:00 pm at Gross Memorial Coliseum.