HAYS, Kan. – Behind a five-of-seven performance from three-point range from Kacey Kennett, the Fort Hays State women's basketball team secured a 75-70 win over No. 19 Pittsburg State. The Tigers escaped a close contest throughout the 40 minutes to remain undefeated at 7-0 and 2-0 in MIAA play. For the Gorillas, the loss drops them to 6-2 alongside a 0-2 mark in conference as they suffer their second-straight loss. This was the first win for the Tigers over the Gorillas since the 2015-16 season. 
 
Unlike the previous game for the Tigers, this contest remained close throughout the entirety of the game. Nine ties took place with 14 lead changes occurring, with the lead never toppling double-digits. FHSU held the largest margin at nine points in the final quarter after a Kennett free throws. In the end, the Tigers were able to cool down the hot shooting on the other side from Mikaela Burgess who captured a game-high 24 points.
 
In the first half, FHSU and PSU held a tie at 17 to end the first quarter, with the Tigers claiming the 21-16 lead heading into halftime. Fort Hays State would hold the lead for a majority of the rest of the contest. Late in the third quarter, the Gorillas took the 51-49 lead over the Tigers off a pair of free throws by Burgess. FHSU would claw its way back, however, as it continued to add to a lead after a three-pointer fro Kennett. The Tigers eventually claimed the five-point victory to remain unbeaten in the early season.
 
Kennett led the way for the Tigers with a team-high 20 points, also good for a career-high, including five long-range shots and going 5-of-5 from the charity stripe, all while adding four steals. Tatyana Leggett was close behind with 19 points, five rebounds and two blocks. Belle Barbieri led the defense on the boards with her own career-high 10 rebounds in her first career start for FHSU. The Tigers shot 45.6% from the field along with eight three-pointers, and out-rebounded the Gorillas 37-32.
 
Burgess anchored her PSU squad with 24 points and four rebounds, with the next-closest Gorilla in scoring going to Maya Williams who added 11 points. Pittsburg State ended the contest shooting 41.4% from the field and 10-of-24 from beyond the arc.
 
The Tigers are hit the road for their next two contests, first meeting up with Washburn Dec. 6 (Wed.) and a visit to Emporia State on Dec. 9 (Saturday). FHSU will next be at home on Dec. 13 for a match up against NAIA Tabor.