The Emporia State Lady Hornets led for over 22 minutes of the game but fell 64-55 to #18 Missouri Western in the quarterfinals of the MIAA Tournament at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. on Thursday. The top-seeded Griffons were on their heels early as the Lady Hornet defense held Western to just 3-for-15 shooting in the first quarter and led at halftime 30-25. The top-seeded Griffons improved their effort on the glass in the second half outrebounding E-State 43-32 and 14-3 on the offensive glass. After scoring just two second chance points in the first half, the Griffons finished the game outscoring ESU 20-0 on second chance points and 15-1 on the fast break. The Lady Hornets, who shot over 50% from the 3-point line in the first round victory against Northeastern State, struggled from the field hitting just three 3-pointers on 19 shots in the quarterfinals. Head coach Brian Ostermann talked about the mindset of the team heading into the tournament.
Katie Horyna had another standout game at the tournament finishing with 18 points and seven rebounds and said that Lady Hornet basketball is on its way back.
Faith Paramore finished with 14 points. Queen Ulabo’s career came to an end with 11 points and a game-high nine rebounds. ESU ends the year 14-16. Coach Ostermann announced after the game that Ulabo would remain with the program and become a graduate assistant coach next year.
