November 10, 2017-For the first time since 2011 the #11 Lady Hornets dropped their season opener, falling 88-76 to Southwestern Oklahoma State in the MIAA-GAC Challenge in Joplin, Mo. Emporia State was outscored 36-24 in the paint and outrebounded for just the second time in two years.
The teams were tied at 11 with 5:25 left in the first when SWOSU went on a 9-0 run to take a 20-11 lead with 2:46 left in the quarter. The Lady Bulldogs closed the half with a 6-0 run to take a 42-32 lead into the locker rooms.
Southwestern Oklahoma extended the run to 10-0 by scoring the first four points of the second half to take a 46-32 lead. The Lady Hornets responded with a 12-2 run of their own to cut the deficit to 48-44 with 6:36 left in the period. After the Lady Bulldogs pushed the lead back to eight, Emporia State went on another 10-2 run to tie the game at 62 at the end of the third quarter on an Emily Miller three-pointer.
The Lady Bulldogs scored the first seven points of the fourth quarter to take a 69-62 lead with 7:16 left. The Lady Hornets got back within two on a Tyra Jones jumper with 6:29 remaining. SWOSU then answered with an 11-4 run to take an 80-71 lead with 3:43 remaining.
Emily Miller led Emporia State with a career high 25 points on six three-pointers. She was joined in double figures by Jacee Kramer with 16 points and Tyra Jones with 12 points.
The Lady Hornets will be back in action on Saturday, November 11 against Oklahoma Baptist in Joplin, Mo. Tip off is set for 1:00 p.m. at the Leggett & Platt Center.
