Box Score

The Lady Tigers put up a gritty defensive effort, but it was not enough to offset poor shooting in a 54-42 loss at Emporia State in their season finale on Saturday evening (Feb. 26). Fort Hays State finished the season 12-14 overall and 9-13 in the MIAA.

The Lady Tigers held ESU to just 33.9 percent shooting, which included just a 5.9 percent (1-of-17) effort beyond the 3-point line. However, FHSU shot its second-lowest percentage of the season (23.2 percent).

Crista Bechard accounted for nearly half of Fort Hays State's scoring with 18 points on 7-of-18 shooting, which included three 3-point field goals. She was the only Lady Tiger in double figures. Kimber Weiser added nine. Bechard and Weiser were the only FHSU players to score in the first half for FHSU, as they trailed 27-13 at the break.

Forwards Ally Volkens and Kelsey Balcom accounted for 35 of Emporia State's 54 points. Volkens led all scorers with 19, followed by Balcom with 16. Rheanna Egli hit Emporia State's only three late in the game and finished with 11.

It was the final game for FHSU seniors Shelby Hillman, Kara Champlin and Kaniesha Pettaway. The trio combined for just five points, but Champlin led the way in rebounds with nine.