FHSU Athletics
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The ninth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team used another fast start to knock off Sioux Falls Saturday afternoon in the third annual Central Region Showcase, winning 84-75. The Tigers (2-0) scored 32 points in the first quarter after hitting an incredible 77.8 percent (14-of-18) from the floor, tied for their most points in a quarter during the Talia Kahrs era.
Talexa Weeter scored on FHSU's first possession off an assist from Brooke Loewe, setting the tone for the Tigers' offense. Loewe contributed significantly early on, compiling a double-double with 10 points and 11 assists before halftime. FHSU hit seven of its first eight shots to race in front 15-3. The Cougars (0-2) struggled to keep pace, hitting just 1-of-8 over the first five minutes.
Mikayla Pilley led the Tigers with a strong start in the second quarter, draining a 3-pointer and converting a fast-break layup shortly after. Kaitlin Schumann added to the Tigers' lead with a 3-pointer of her own late in the frame. After leading by as many as 18, Fort Hays State took a 52-34 lead into the locker room. The 52 first-half points are just two shy of FHSU's best 20 minute period during the Kahrs era.
Avery Lowe initiated a scoring surge early in the third quarter, connecting on a 3-pointer in the first minute. The Tigers capitalized on six Cougar turnovers, converting them into eight points. Olivia Mortensen showcased her efficiency from beyond the arc, hitting multiple 3-pointers. Fort Hays State led by as many as 30 in the frame and took a 78-49 lead into the final period after Weeter concluded the quarter with a triple at the buzzer.
The Cougars roared back in the final frame, outscoring the Tigers 26-6 to narrow the gap to single figures. USF closed the game on a 17-2 run, but Fort Hays State had done enough over the first 30 minutes to secure the victory.
Mortensen hit 8-of-11 from the floor to total 22 points in her second-ever game as a Tiger, including a 4-of-7 effort from behind the arc. The freshman also recorded three steals and six assists. After dropping 36 in the season opener, Weeter contributed 29 points on 13-of-20 shooting and added seven rebounds to average 32.5 points per game over the opening weekend. Loewe finished the day with 12 points and 12 assists, recording the fifth double-double of her career. Lowe racked up nine points, with Schumann providing two blocks and five points.
The Tigers will return to action next Friday (Nov. 21) when they travel to Wichita, Kan. to take on Eastern New Mexico in the Newman Classic. First tip is slated for 3 p.m.