February 22, 2025 – The Lady Hornets got off to a strong start and led for nearly 38 minutes as they took down Newman for a 69-63 road win on Saturday afternoon.
The Jets scored the first three points of the game in the opening minute, before Emporia State put together a 14-2 scoring run over the next four minutes, capped off by a three from
Gracie Gilpin to force a Newman timeout at the 5:16 mark of the first. The Lady Hornets closed out the quarter with a
Makenzie McDaniel layup to lead 21-8 heading into the second.
Emporia State shot over 60% in the first period, and cooled to 40% in the second quarter, but limited the Jets to just ten points, increasing their advantage to 36-18 heading into the halftime break.
The Lady Hornets forced 11 Newman turnovers through the first two quarters, which translated to 14 points off turnovers.
Following the break, Newman improved to nearly 60% in the third quarter, outscoring Emporia State 23-18 as the Lady Hornets held a 54-41 lead heading to the fourth.
Newman rallied over the next four minutes, opening the quarter on a 10-0 scoring run as they trimmed the Lady Hornet lead to 54-51, forcing an Emporia State timeout. After two Newman free throws to cut the lead to one, Emporia State scored five of the next seven to boost their lead back to 59-55 with 5:09 remaining.
Both teams went scoreless over the next few minutes before a Newman three with 2:10 remaining cut Emporia State's advantage to 61-60.
Katie Horyna scored the next four points from the free throw line to make the score 65-60, and despite another Newman three on the next possession, the Lady Hornets closed out the game with four
Gracie Gilpin free throws to clinch the 69-63 win.
Gracie Gilpin led all scorers with 23 points, shooting 4-7 from three and 9-9 from the free throw line.
Makenzie McDaniel joined Gilpin in double figures with 16 points of her own.
Emporia State will be back in action on Wednesday, February 26 for the home finale against Missouri Western. Tip-off between the Lady Hornets and Griffons is scheduled for 5:30 at White Auditorium.
