Graduate guard Katie Horyna matched a career high of 25 points and the Emporia State women’s basketball team overcame a 12-point halftime deficit to beat Ottawa 89-80 at White Auditorium on Monday. Ottawa started hot offensively shooting over 50% from the field in the first half ending the second quarter on a 12-2 run to lead 48-36. The Braves built the lead as high as 15, but ESU responded with a 28-6 run that spanned nearly 11 minutes to take a seven-point lead with just under seven to go. The Lady Hornets built the lead to double-figures and fended off one last run by the Braves to earn the win. Horyna also had a personal-best nine rebounds along with seven assists while Elizabeth Tjaden tallied 13 points, all in the second half, and three other Lady Hornets added 12. OU was just 8-for-30 from the field in the second half which ESU head coach Brian Ostermann credited to improved ESU defense.
Horyna said despite her experience, she still feels pregame nerves.
ESU (3-3) returns to action facing Missouri S&T Wednesday. Tip-off is at 3:00 p.m. with pregame coverage at 2:30 p.m. on the Hornet Sports Network/Mix 104.9.
