January 31, 2026-The Lady Hornets used an 11-1 first quarter run to take the lead for good on the way to a 65-56 win at Central Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon in Edmond, Okla.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
With the score tied 8-8 midway through the first quarter Gracie Gilpin and Kaitlyn Sanders hit back to back three-pointers to ignite an 11-1 run and take the lead for good. The Bronchos would close to within three points on two occasions in the second quarter but a 14-4 run gave Emporia State a 37-24 lead with 2:25 left in the half.  UCO got an old fashioned three-point play form Harley Harbor with2:20 left in the half and that would be the final score of the period as ESU took a 37-26 lead into the break.
The third quarter was back and forth with the Lady Hornets outscoring the Bronchos 17-15 to take a 54-42 lead into the final period. UCO would get within seven points in the fourth quarter but Kaitlyn Sanders hit six of six free throws in the final 3:54 to ice the 65-56 win.
 
A LOOK AT THE STATS
Kaitlyn Sanders had a career high 29 points with a career high four of five from the three point arc and 13 of 13 effort from the free throw line.  She was joined in double figures by Macey Gandee who had 13 points and just missed her third double-double with nine rebounds.
 
UP NEXT
The Lady Hornets return to White Auditorium on Thursday, February 5 to take on #11 Pittsburg State. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. with the ESU AD Honor Roll getting recognized at half time.