January 2, 2025 – The Lady Hornets outlasted the visiting Central Missouri Jennies on Thursday night with a 70-66 win to pick up their second MIAA win of the season.
Emporia State and Central Missouri both got off to a slow start in the opening minutes as the score was tied 7-7 heading into the first media timeout at the 4:56 mark of the first quarter. After the timeout, the offense picked up for both teams, especially the Jennies who built a 19-12 lead with 1:46 remaining in the quarter.
Gracie Gilpin, who opened the scoring with a three in the first 90 seconds, knocked down three more in the final 90 seconds of the quarter to give the Lady Hornets a 21-19 lead heading to the second quarter.
The Lady Hornets kept the pressure on in the second frame, outscoring the Jennies 20-10 to build a 41-29 lead heading into the halftime break. In the first half, Emporia State shot 43.2% from the floor and 7-12 from three. The Lady Hornets also outrebounded the Jennies 23-17.
Following the break, Central Missouri put together a 15-3 scoring run over the first five minutes, which brought the score level at 44-44. Emporia State managed to keep the Jennies from retaking the lead, as the Lady Hornets took a 53-49 lead into the fourth quarter.
Emporia State put together a 9-2 scoring run over the first four minutes of the fourth quarter, building a 62-51 lead after a layup from
Jayla Cornelius. The Jennies attempted to fight back, closing the lead to four with 1:55 remaining. Following a free throw by
Janiyah Alvarez to push the Lady Hornet lead to 68-63 with 45 seconds remaining, Central Missouri knocked down their tenth three to close the deficit to 68-66 with 37 seconds left.
The Lady Hornets got two free throws from
Katie Horyna with 5.8 left increased the lead to 70-66. The Jennies missed a final jumper as Emporia State clinched the win over Central Missouri.
Gracie Gilpin was one of three Lady Hornets in double figures and led all scorers with 22 points while matching her career-high with six threes.
Katie Horyna added 20 points of her own while
Jayla Cornelius had 12 points on 6-10 shooting.
Janiyah Alvarez had a team-high nine rebounds while
Macey Gandee added eight.
Emporia State will return to action on Saturday, January 4 as they host Washburn in the Turnpike Tussle. Tipoff between the Lady Hornets and Ichabods is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. from White Auditorium.
