February 12, 2026 – The Lady Hornets played tough on the road against #7 Fort Hays State on Thursday night, but ultimately fell 69-56 against the Tigers.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fort Hays State controlled the opening minutes against Emporia State, as they seventh-ranked Tigers held a 13-4 lead which forced a Lady Hornet timeout at the 5:56 mark of the first frame. Following the timeout, the Lady Hornets outscored the Tigers 13-3, as they took their first at 17-16 at the 1:07 mark before Fort Hays State scored the final basket to hold an 18-17 lead through one.
In the second, the score stayed close between the Lady Hornets and Tigers as neither team led by more than three points in the second ten minutes.
Early in the quarter, a three by
Gracie Gilpin to tie the game 22-22 moved her into a tie for third in program history with 211 in her career, pulling level with Tre'Zure Jobe (2018-23).
Eventually the score settled at 30-30 heading into the halftime break.
Following the break, the trend of the second quarter carried over into the third as neither team led by more than three until the final minute of the frame. Emporia State's retook the lead at the 1:32 mark in the third quarter as a
Vanessa Coleman three put the Lady Hornets ahead 43-41. However, the Tigers responded with a 9-0 run over the final 1:21 to take a 50-43 advantage over Emporia State.
Early in the fourth, Emporia State climbed back to trim the Tiger lead to one point on multiple occasions, eventually trailing 54-53 after a pair of
Gracie Gilpin free throws with 6:04 left. Fort Hays State responded by scoring 15 of the next 16 points to take a 69-54 lead, their largest of the game. The Lady Hornets scored the final two points but fell 69-56 against the Tigers.
A LOOK AT THE STATS
Both teams shot below 40% from the floor, with a major difference between 19 Emporia State turnovers compared to just ten for the Tigers.
Three Lady Hornets scored in double figures.
Makenzie McDaniel and
Kaitlyn Sanders each had 14 while
Gracie Gilpin scored 13 of her own. For McDaniel, her 14 points are a new season high.
Kaylin Noonan had ten rebounds, her fourth game in double-digits.
UP NEXT
Emporia State will remain on the road for a contest on Saturday, February 14 as they take on Nebraska-Kearney. Tipoff between the Lady Hornets and Lopers is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
NOTES
Gracie Gilpin tied Tre'Zure Jobe (2018-23) for third in program history with 211 career three pointers.
