By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post
PITTSBURG, Kan. –Olivia Hollenbeck as a rebound shy of a double-double and was one of four Fort Hays State women's basketball players to score in double-figures as the 15th-ranked Tigers picked up their second win of the season over a ranked opponent, defeating the 20th-ranked Pittsburg State 68-53 Saturday afternoon at John Lance Arena.
After the teams played to a 19-19 tie through the first quarter, FHSU (13-3, 7-3 MIAA) outscored the Gorillas (12-3, 6-3 MIAA) in each of the final three quarters.
Hollenbck scored eight of the Tigers first 13 points and led the team with 18 points and nine rebounds. She also tied for a team-high three assists while matching a career-high with five blocked shots.
Emma Ruddle, Sydney Golladay and Megan Earney all knocked down threes during 13-4 run which saw FHSU build a 32-25 second quarter lead before settling for a 37-33 halftime lead.
Pittsburg State scored the first bucket of the second half to get within two points, but a pair of Hollenbeck free throws pushed the lead back to four and then a Ruddle layup in transition pushed the lead to six. The Tiger defense held the Gorillas scoreless for about five and a half minutes which led to a 7-0 run and a 12-point lead after three quarters.
The Tigers extended the run to 16-1 and pushed their lead to 19 early in the fourth. The lead would grow to 22 with just under five minutes thy play. The Gorillas closed the game with a an 11-4 run for the final margin.
In addition to Hollenbneck, Ruddle (12), Stearns (10), and Katie Wagner (10) also scored in double-figures. Golladay, Ruddle, and Wagner matched Hollenbeck with three assists.
Grace Pyle, who led the Gorillas with 10 points at halftime, was held scoreless in the second half. Macie Mays was the top scorer for Pitt State with 11, while Savannah Campbell matched Pyle with 10 points. Pyle led the Gorillas in rebounds with nine, while Harper Schreiner led in assists with six.
The Tigers now prep for the final of three big road battles next Saturday against Nebraska-Kearney.
FHSU Sports Information contributed to this story