January 27, 2024 – The Lady Hornets knocked down a season-high 13 threes but were unable to take home a road win against Fort Hays State, as Emporia State fell to the Tigers 72-63 on Saturday afternoon.
Emporia State jumped out to an early lead, starting the game on a 14-2 scoring run that was capped off by a three from
Faith Paramore at the 4:23 mark of the first quarter. The offense for the Tigers picked up over the final four minutes but the Hornets maintained a 21-11 lead entering the second quarter.
In the second, the script was flipped as Emporia State struggled offensively, shooting just 2-15 from the floor and 0-8 from three in the period. Fort Hays State used the cold shooting quarter to their advantage as the Tigers outscored the Lady Hornets 20-6 in the second, taking a 31-27 lead into the halftime break.
Faith Paramore led the Lady Hornets in the first half with 12 points.
Following the halftime break, both teams found success on the offensive end throughout the third quarter. Emporia State shot 46.2% from the floor and 4-8 from three in the third. Fort Hays State also maintained their offensive play from the second quarter, making four threes of their own as the held a 53-47 lead entering the fourth.
In the fourth, Emporia State would trim the Fort Hays State lead down to three points within the first two minutes as a layup from
Queen Ulabo made the score 55-22 with 8:18 to play. After a three on the ensuing possession from the Tigers,
Gracie Gilpin knocked down one of her career-high six threes in the game to cut the lead to 58-55.
The Lady Hornets were unable to close the deficit any further as a pair of Fort Hays State threes increased their lead to 64-55, forcing a timeout from Emporia State with 5:05 remaining.
Gracie Gilpin hit her sixth three with 2:23 remaining to close the deficit to 68-63 but the Lady Hornets were unable to inch closer, falling 72-63 against the Tigers.
As a team, Emporia State made a season-high 13 threes, shooting 40.6% from beyond the arc.
Gracie Gilpin scored 18 points on 6-12 from three, with the six made threes setting a new career high.
Faith Paramore also scored 18 points and grabbed 13 rebounds while
Queen Ulabo joined Gilpin and Paramore in double figures with 15 points on 5-10 shooting.
Emporia State will return to action on Thursday, February 1 as they continue their road trip against Northeastern State. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in Tahlequah, Okla.
