FHSU Athletics

FAYETTE, Iowa - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team wrapped up the opening weekend with a dominating 84-42 victory against Southwest Minnesota State Saturday afternoon (Nov. 11). The Tigers were firing on all cylinders from the first tip, knocking down 11-of-18 shots (61.1 percent) in the opening quarter while limiting the Mustangs to just two field goals to lead 26-6 after one quarter of play. The Tigers are now 2-0 on the year while SMSU dips to 0-2 this season.
 
Fort Hays State drilled 43.4 percent (33-of-76) of its shots, including a 10-for-26 effort from behind the arc (38.5 percent). The Tigers limited the Mustangs to just 25 percent (15-of-60) shooting, blocking six shots and forcing 16 SMSU turnovers. FHSU also dominated on the boards, outrebounding the Mustangs 58-32.
 
Five Tigers scored in double figures, with Taylor Rolfs leading the way with 16 points while adding six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Tatyana Legette grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds with Gokce Aslan pacing the team with five assists and Robin Ritsema picking up a team-high three blocks. Whitney Clampitt contributed 12 points and four assists in the win, reaching double figures in scoring in her second career game.
 
Rolfs knocked down a three-pointer on the first possession of the game, giving the Tigers the lead for good. The Tigers led 6-2 early in the contest before going on a 17-0 run to take a commanding 23-2 lead, holding the Mustangs scoreless for nearly six minutes. Kacey Kennett drilled a three-pointer as the quarter ended, putting the Tigers in front 26-6 after 10 minutes of play.
 
The Tigers cooled off on the offensive end in the second quarter but maintained their strong defensive effort, holding the Mustangs to a 16.1 percent shooting percentage before halftime (5-of-31). Carly Heim knocked down a three-pointer late in the half to give the Tigers a 30-point lead at the break, 45-15.
 
Clampitt led the Tigers with seven points after halftime, helping Fort Hays State stretch the lead as high as 46 with a three-pointer late in the fourth quarter, 84-38.
 
Fort Hays State will be back in action next week when it returns to Gross Memorial Coliseum to take on Colorado-Colorado Springs on Friday (Nov. 17) and Newman on Saturday (Nov. 18).