The Fort Hays State women's basketball team continues its four-game homestand tonight (Nov. 13) with a non-conference game against Bethany College. The women's game is set to start at 5:30 p.m. with the men to follow at 7:30 p.m. at Gross Memorial Coliseum.
In the season opener on Saturday (Nov. 10), the Tigers defeated McPherson College, 78-37.
Katelyn Edwards finished with a double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds, and
Kate Lehman poured in 19 points and added a career-high nine blocks. The Tigers started the game with a 24-4 run and cruised to the home opening win. The victory was the ninth straight win in the home opener.
Fort Hays State and Bethany College meet for the first time in three seasons. The Tigers won 104-56 on Nov. 15, 2009 at Gross Memorial Coliseum. FHSU went 15-13 in the 2009-10 season in Tony Hopson's second season.
Tonight's game is the 20th meeting between the two programs. The Tigers lead the all-time series 16-3 and have a three-game winning streak. The last time the Swedes won in the series was 2002 when Bethany knocked off the Tigers 76-64 in FHSU's second game of the season. Before that loss, FHSU had a nine-game winning streak dating back to the 1910-11 season.
The Swedes are currently 1-4 on the season and have four losses in a row. Bethany College won its season opener, 53-45, over Manhattan Christian College then lost to Mid America Christian (71-65), Benedictine College (69-50), Mid America Nazarene University (75-57) and No. 23 College of Saint Mary (57-32). So far this season, senior Tanya Garner has led Bethany, averaging 12.2 ppg in five games. The Swedes were picked to finish ninth in the KCAC Preseason Coaches Poll and ninth in the media poll. Bethany College went 4-25 overall last season.
With the season opener 78-37 win over McPherson College, the Tigers continue to have great success at Gross Memorial Coliseum. In the 2011-12 season, FHSU went 12-3 at the Coliseum, including a 5-0 record in non-conference home games. Under
Tony Hobson, the Tigers are 42-17 in home games and 22-6 against non-conference opponents.
Fort Hays State starts the season with two games against NAIA opponents. FHSU defeated McPherson College, 78-37 in the season opener to start the NAIA slate. The Tigers were 5-0 against NAIA teams a year ago, defeating Tabor College, Central Christian, Northwestern Oklahoma State, Bethel College and Doane College. Northwestern Oklahoma State is on the schedule again, but the Rangers are in transition to NCAA Division II this season.
Tony Hobson is 14-2 in his tenure against members of the NAIA with the two losses coming early in this first season of 2008-09. The Tigers have won 12 straight against NAIA teams, the last loss being a 74-68 defeat at the hands of Kansas Wesleyan on Nov. 2008 at Gross Memorial Coliseum.
After tonight's game, the Tigers welcome Northwestern Oklahoma State to Gross Memorial Coliseum on Saturday (Nov. 17) for a 2 p.m. game with the Rangers.
