ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – It took an extra period for the Emporia State women’s basketball team to defeat #1 Gannon in the Final Four last night. The Hornets’ 97-94 overtime victory catapulted them to the NCAA Division II National Championship at 7 p.m. this Friday in St. Joseph, Mo.

Gannon started off on a 4-0 run in the opening minutes until sophomore guard Brittney Miller hit two free throws to set the score at 2-4. It wasn’t until just over 16 minutes in the half remained that the Hornets tied the game with a jumpshot, then took the lead, 7-4, on a three-pointer from senior guard Jamie Augustyn.

The Knights went on a 7-0 run to pull the score out to 11-7 until a three-pointer from freshman guard Rachel Hanf set the score at 14-10 in favor of GU with just over 12 minutes in the half.

Out of a media timeout, senior guard Cassondra Boston nailed a trey to cut the Knights’ lead to three.

Another media timeout paused the action with ESU trailing the Knights 19-22 with 7:55 to play in the initial half.

The Hornets finally took the lead, 29-28, off of a drive to the lane from Hanf. The final timeout on the floor saw Emporia State trailing Gannon 29-32 with 2:55 remaining in the half.

ESU went into the half leading GU, 40-39.

The Knights started the second half off hot, going on a 3-0 run until a three ball from Augustyn gave ESU a one-point advantage, 43-42.

After several lead changes, a timeout on the floor stopped the action at the 15:05 mark with the Hornets behind Gannon by two, 47-49.

Following the timeout, GU went on an 8-0 run that put them up by 10 over the Hornets, which forced ESU Coach Brandon Schneider to call timeout. The timeout didn’t seem to focus the Hornets, as Gannon went up by as much as 16 until junior forward Alli Volkens converted on a traditional three-point play.

A media timeout came with 6:35 remaining in the contest, Emporia State trailing Gannon 65-76. Like the game versus Michigan Tech, the momentum swung in the Hornets favor late in the game as ESU saw themselves down only by five, 71-76, with 5:10 left in the game. Thanks to a three-pointer from Augustyn, the Hornets cut the deficit to two when the final media timeout stopped the game with the Hornets down 76-78 with 3:58 to play.

Emporia State cut the lead to one at 78-79, but the Knights went on a 5-0 run to slightly pull away from the Hornets. With 17.8 seconds on the clock and ESU trailing Gannon 85-87, Schneider called timeout to call one final play for his team.

On the inbounds, Boston took the ball and hit senior guard Lacy Corker on the left wing who in turn passed it to Volkens. Volkens took it to the rim and scored, tying the game at 87-all with 7.8 seconds left before GU Coach Cleve Wright called timeout.

The Knights couldn’t come up with a basket, so the game went into overtime.

A pair of free throws from Miller tied the game up at 92-all with two and a half minutes to play in the overtime period.

With just over 21 seconds remaining, Corker drove the lane and came up short on the basket but was fouled on the way there – Corker drained both shots, putting ESU up by two, 96-94. Another Gannon timeout came with 17.8 seconds remaining.

The Knights ended up throwing the ball away with five seconds remaining and fouled Lenard on the ensuing inbounds, giving her the chance to shoot two. Lenard made the second shot, leaving GU less than four seconds to score.

Gannon could not convert as the Hornets went on to win the contest 97-94.

Schneider said that a quick change to a zone defense late in the game played a big part in the win for the Hornets.

“We had to play a zone defense, and guys, we never practice zone defense,” Schneider said. “(We) made some mistakes in it obviously, but I’m not so sure that it didn’t win us the ballgame.”

Boston led the Hornets in scoring with 21, followed closely by Volkens with 20 and Miller with 18. Miller also nabbed eight rebounds.

According to Boston, patience was a key to getting back into the game after going down by double digits.

“Brandon (Schneider) told us that we were starting to shoot ourselves out of the game,” Boston said. “We were trying to be more patient and get it into Alli (Volkens) so she could put it in right under the hoop.”

Corker agreed.

“You have to have patience,” Corker said. “In a situation like this, when you’re trying to go for a championship, we have to be focused and have faith in each other and we did tonight.”

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Senior guard Cassondra Boston attacks the MTU defense Tuesday night in the St. Joseph Civic Arena in St. Joseph Mo. Kellen Jenkins/ The Bulletin

With a trip to the Final Four on the line, the Emporia State women’s basketball team rose to the occasion and beat Michigan Tech University Tuesday night, 91-85.

The win gave the Hornets a birth in the National Semifinal for the first time since 1999.

Senior guard Lacy Corker drove the lane to give the Hornets their first points of the contest. Following a Tech three pointer, sophomore guard Brittney Miller hit a trey of her own, bringing the score to 5-3.

Michigan Tech went on a 9-2 run that was halted by the first media timeout of the game with 15:48 left to play in the half and a 12-7 lead. After the timeout and another Huskies basket, senior guard Sophia Lenard earned her first two points on the night on a slashing move to the basket.

Senior guard Lacy Corker takes a three point shot Tuesday night against MTU in St. Joseph Mo. Kellen Jenkins/ The Bulletin

Another Michigan Tech three pointer led to another Lenard drive – this time, she was fouled and made the free throw, converting on the traditional three-point play which cut the Huskies’ lead to three, 17-14.

Junior forward Negesti Taylor scored on the low block, getting the Hornets within one, until on the ensuing Hornets possession, Lenard knocked down a three-pointer in transition which gave ESU a 19-17 lead with11:46 remaining in the first half.

A timeout on the floor stopped the action with 7:58 left in the half, the Hornets trailing the Huskies by one, 23-24.

A basket on the low block from junior forward Alli Volkens tied the game at 27-all with just over five minutes remaining in the half.

The final media timeout saw Emporia State down by one point, 31-32, with 3:18 left in the half.

Both teams traded points back and forth until a timeout from ESU Coach Brandon Schneider paused the action with 32.7 seconds on the clock and a 35-37 deficit. The half ended with the same score.

To start the second half, a pair of free throws from Taylor tied the game at 37-all, which was followed by a layup from senior guard Cassondra Boston that gave the Hornets a two point lead.

After a series of trading baskets, a three-pointer from Boston gave ESU a two point edge, 46-44, with just over 15 minutes in the game.

Junior center Nejesti Taylor shoots over a MTU dfender Tuesday night in St. Joseph Mo. Kellen Jenkins/ The Bulletin

Following a media timeout, two more free throws from Volkens pushed the Hornets’ lead to four, 48-44. A basket down low and another pair of charity points from Volkens led the Hornets to a 52-46 lead with 12:30 left in the contest.

Momentum on their side, Emporia State went up by 10, 64-54, with 8:30 left to play thanks to a traditional three point play from Volkens that was followed up by a three-pointer form senior guard Jamie Augustyn. However, the Huskies came back with a 5-0 run that forced Schneider to call timeout with 7:21 to play and the score at 64-59 in favor of ESU.

Out of the timeout, the Hornets put together a small run of their own, getting score to 70-59 with just over six minutes in the game.

The final media timeout of the game came with 3:46 remaining and Emporia State commanding an eight point lead over Michigan Tech, 76-68.

In the end, the deficit couldn’t be overcome by the Huskies as the Hornets went on to win the contest, 91-85.

Schneider commented on his team’s efforts after the game.

“I’m obviously really proud of our guys because I think we just beat a really, really good basketball team,” Schneider said.

Volkens led the Hornets in scoring with a career high 28-point outing on 10-11 shooting from the field, along with eight rebounds and three blocks.

Boston believed that it was Volkens’ time to shine.

“Alli just had a great night tonight,” Boston said. “It was her night tonight. She was on.”

Volkens said that she was in the zone throughout the contest.

“I guess I was feeling it a little bit,” Volkens said. “They were kind of sagging off, and I was open so I just shot it.”

Lenard contributed 22 points off the bench, and Boston added 19 of her own along with eight assists to round out the Hornets in double figures.

Up next for the Hornets is a trip to the Final Four where the team will play #1 Gannon University (37-0) at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in St. Joseph, Mo.

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The road to the Elite Eight is a tough one.

Just ask the Emporia State women’s basketball team, who after three straight regional wins made it to the Elite Eight for only the fifth time in school history and to the Final Four for the first time since 1999.

In a system where hundreds of teams are given the opportunity to compete in Division II basketball, only 64 are accepted into the postseason tournament. Already the odds are against even an above average team. The MIAA was fortunate to even get two women’s teams into the big dance.

Once a team receives a bid to participate in the tournament, the real test begins. This is a test unlike any other o the season: win six consecutive games against the best competition in the country, or go home empty handed.

Needless to say, the stakes are high.

This group of Hornets have made the stakes even higher by making it to the Elite Eight in St. Joseph, Mo. To the average sport spectator, the Elite Eight might not sound like a big deal, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Although we are all tuned to infinite talks of “Final Four this” and “Final Four that,” Division II sets its final stage with eight teams left in the field to battle it out for supremacy.

Emporia State’s side of the bracket has already proven to be as competitive as ever. After a hard fought victory over #3 Michigan Tech, the Hornets find themselves matching up with Gannon University, the #1 team in the nation with an undefeated record.

No one said it was going to be easy.

For the Hornets though, among other things, there is one circumstance that plays to their advantage: location. Having the Elite Eight in St. Joe is a blessing in disguise for the Hornets, as the distance St. Joseph and Emporia is miniscule in comparison with some of the other teams who are still playing.

This is important for a few reasons. First and foremost, the shorter traveling distance makes a relatively easier trip for the team, which allows them to be better rested, in most instances. The closer destination is also imperative for any sort of semblance of a fan base to make the trip – once again, in most cases.

The Emporia faithful have already come out in full swing for the first game of the week, ready and willing to support their team in a time of need.

The fans really have every reason to come out and support this team. The Hornets had a successful regular season that was really only hampered by a last-game loss to rival Washburn. Even after a disappointing performance at the MIAA Tournament, this team still bounced back and won four straight games over tough opponents to get where they are today.

The occasion is one that will surely be remembered, not only by the athletes and coaches, but by the supporters as well.

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Senior guard Sophia Lenard shoots over a FHSU defender Thursday night during the first round of the MIAA Tournament. The Hornets beat the Tigers 72-66.

After a rough start, the Emporia State women’s basketball team was able to pull together and defeat Ft. Hays State 72-66 in the first round of MIAA Tournament action.

A trio of three-pointers late in the game from senior guard Jamie Augustyn led the Hornets to come back from a large deficit.

“I just did what I do,” Augustyn said. “My teammates did a really good job of finding me open, so I just shot it.”

Freshman guard Jocelyn Cummings was the first to score for the Hornets on a slashing move to the basket. With just over 17:30 to play in the first half, the Hornets found themselves down 3-7 thanks to a pivotal Ft. Hays three-pointer.

The first media timeout of the half stopped the action at the 15:56 mark with ESU trailing the Tigers 5-7. Following the timeout, the Tigers went on a 4-0 run until senior guard Sophia Lenard made a basket in the paint.

Another media timeout saw the Hornets still trailing Ft. Hays State, 9-15, with 11:20 remaining in the half.

ESU Coach Brandon Schneider was forced to call a timeout when the Tigers’ lead extended to 11 with 8:09 left in the half.

Senior guard Lacy Corker made a three-pointer following the timeout, cutting Ft. Hays State’s lead to eight, 12-20. Two straight treys from Ft. Hays’ Naomi Bancroft put the Hornets behind by 14 with just over six minutes to play in the half. The final timeout on the floor of the half saw the Tigers with a 29-17 lead over Emporia State with 3:27 remaining.

Senior guard Lacy Corker puts up a 3 point shot Thursday night in Kansas City.

A well executed offensive play by the Hornets saw Cummings take it to the rim and score, cutting the lead to 10. A pair of free throws from Lenard and a slashing basket by Boston saw the Hornets pull within six of Ft. Hays’ lead, 23-29, with just over a minute to play in the opening period.

A three-pointer from the Tigers gave them a nine point cushion going into halftime with a 32-23 lead over ESU.

Schneider said that Hays’ effort in the first half proved to be formidable.

“In the first half, Hays was really good,” Schneider said. “I really felt like the difference between the two halves (was) Hays’ seniors played like they wanted to play another game. They out-competed our seniors.”

Boston led the Hornets in their comeback effort with seven early second half points. A timeout on the floor stopped the action at the 11:33 mark with the Hornets trailing the Tigers 38-47.

Augustyn sparked the comeback by the Hornets, who cut the Tigers lead to four at 43-47 with just under 10 minutes to play. Junior forward Alli Volkens followed up Augustyn’s basket with one of her own on the low block, setting the score to 47-45 in favor of FHSU. Another three-pointer from Augustyn that led the Hornets to within one of the Tigers’ lead, 48-49, led to a timeout by Ft. Hays Coach Tony Hobson.

Senior guard Cassondra Boston attacks the FHSU defense Thursday night in the first round of the MIAA Tournament.

Following the timeout, ESU finally took the lead thanks to yet another Augustyn three-pointer. The Hornets went on a 7-2 run after the timeout by Ft. Hays, bringing the score to 55-51 in favor of Emporia State with just over five minutes remaining in the contest.

Boston said that it was at this point the seniors realized it was time to step up.

“We knew we had to pick it up right then and there,” Boston said. “I just kept stressing that every possession mattered. We couldn’t take any possessions off.”

Ft. Hays went on a small run of their own to tie the game up at 55 with 4:08 left to play.

The final media timeout saw ESU leading FHSU 58-57 at the 3:37 mark.

A myriad of lead changes occurred in the final few minutes of the game until a hard earned basket on the low block by Volkens stretched the Hornets’ lead to three, 66-63, with 1:04 remaining in the half.

Following a FHSU timeout, a trip to the charity stripe for Boston led to two more points, extending their lead to five, 68-63 with under a minute to play.

Boston gave the Hornets four more free throw points as the team left the court with a victory over the Tigers, 72-66.

Boston led all scorers with 23 on 6 of 18 shooting. Augustyn chipped in 11 points, while Volkens and senior guard Lacy Corker added 10 points each.

The Hornets will now face Central Missouri in the semifinals of the MIAA Tournament.  Tip-off is scheduled for 2:15 on March 6 at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.

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The Emporia State women’s basketball team fell short of capturing the #1 seed for the upcoming MIAA Tournament as they fell to rival Washburn 63-51

Shooting was a major concern for the Hornets – ESU only shot 28.8 percent from the field.

“We just didn’t hit shots when we needed to,” said senior guard Cassondra Boston. “Obviously we didn’t shoot very well tonight. Usually we do shoot pretty well here. Tonight that wasn’t the case.”

ESU Coach Brandon Schneider concurred.

“We just didn’t make enough baskets and finish enough plays in the first half to take advantage of their foul situation,” Schneider said.

The Ichabods started off hot, jumping out to an early 11-4 lead with just over 16 minutes to play in the first half. The first media timeout of the half stopped the action with the score still the same with 14:38 to play.

Emporia State’s scoring drought was finally ended after the media timeout by a drive to the basket by Boston.

The Hornets closed to within three of Washburn’s lead, 8-11, with just over 11 minutes in the half thanks to a banked jump shot from senior guard Sophia Lenard. After an easy bucket from Washburn’s Dayna Rodriguez, senior guard Jamie Augustyn answered with a three-pointer, bringing the score to 11-13 in favor of the Ichabods.

Following a timeout on the floor, sophomore guard Brittney Miller tied the game at 13 with a layup. The teams were neck and neck at 15-all until a Washburn three-pointer gave the Ichabods a three point lead.

With under two minutes to play in the first half, the Hornets trailed the Ichabods 15-20. Another Washburn three ball gave the Ichabods an eight point advantage over the Hornets with 1:22 remaining in the first half.

The Hornets went into the locker room at the half trailing Washburn 21-25.

Washburn started out the second half much like they did the first with an 8-3 run that set the score at 24-33 in favor of Washburn. The first timeout on the floor of the half paused the action with the Hornets still trailing the Ichabods, 26-35, with 14:24 to play in the contest.

The Hornets, however, would not go away easily, as an offensive surge in the paint led by junior forward Alli Volkens brought ESU within one point of Washburn’s lead, 34-35, before the Ichabods called a timeout with 11:22 left to play.

Schneider called timeout at the 8:19 mark when the Ichabods’ lead stretched to six at 37-43 to regroup the shaky Hornets.

The final timeout on the floor saw ESU trailing Washburn 41-50 with 4:23 left to play in the contest.

Thanks to two quick baskets, the Hornets cut Washburn’s lead to five, 45-50, before WU called timeout with 2:40 left. Following the timeout, the Ichabods went on a 9-0 tear to pull away from the Hornets.

The Hornets eventually fell to Washburn, 51-63.

Volkens said that the team’s focus was probably on games in the future.

“We might have looked ahead a little bit too far,” Volkens said. “Our motto is ‘take it one day at a time’…we didn’t do that.”

Boston led the Hornets in scoring with 13, followed by Lenard with 11 and Volkens with 10 points.

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Boston

For the past few years, senior point guard Cassondra Boston has dominated the basketball scoreboard at Emporia State. The Des Moines, Iowa, native has spent her whole life being groomed for the sport her entire life by none other than her father, Haywood Boston – a high school basketball coach.

“My dad is definitely a big influence,” Boston said. “He started me playing at a young age. He’s been coaching all his life, and I’ve been around basketball all of my life because of him. My brother and I always had to be at the gym with him while he was coaching. When I got to high school he started coaching girls, so I started playing for him.”

As a junior, Boston earned first-team All-MIAA and second-team Daktronics All-Region for her stellar performance a year ago. ESU Coach Brandon Schneider recognizes her abilities on the basketball court and what they mean for the team.

“She’s obviously extremely skilled on the offensive end – the complete package,” Schneider said. “She makes almost every right decision. Defensively, she’s playing tough. She’s playing with energy. She is now a leader by both example and vocally.”

Boston has been successful away from the court as well. She graduated this past December with a business degree and is currently pursuing a MBA. In high school, Boston was an academic All-State selection and was her class’ valedictorian.

As a freshman at Emporia State, Boston quickly noticed the vast differences between playing Division II basketball and playing at Hoover High.

“It’s a lot more competitive than high school,” Boston said. “The pace of the game’s a lot quicker. It’s just something to get used to, coming from high school to college – it’s a big difference…I think it’s a lot more fun, too.”

Boston roomed with teammate Jamie Augustyn her freshman year, an experience that led the two to become friends and led Augustyn to appreciate Boston’s presence as a teammate.

“She’s a great teammate,” Augustyn said. “She’s fun on and off the court.”

Schneider remembers a slightly different Boston than we know today when she first came to the program.

“She was really skilled,” Schneider said. “She was really shy and timid…I think she’d be the first to admit that she wasn’t always the best practice player. Now, she never takes a possession off in practice, whether it’s offensively or defensively. She expects the same out of her teammates.”

Boston recalled her days of timidity and commented on her acceptance of the team leader role as her time in the program continued.

“My freshman year, I didn’t speak up as much,” Boston said. “I was a lot quieter. As the years have gone by, I realized that I have to step up and be more of a vocal leader. I think I’ve really embraced that role this year.

Since I’ve been here, something Brandon has talked to me about is being more of a leader. Obviously he’s had trouble with me in the past speaking up. I just realized that it’s my senior year – it’s going to be my last chance. I just want to give it my all.”

According to Schneider, Boston’s progression on and off the court is a testament to her as a person.

“She’s just grown and matured a great deal as a player and even a lot as a person,” Schneider said. “She’s much more assertive on and off the court than she was early in her career.”

The epic of Boston has hit center stage at Emporia State this season, as she has been named MIAA Player of the Week four times and is a sure fire lock for first team All-MIAA honors – and maybe more.

While the rest of the season waits to unfold, Boston’s future also seems somewhat cloudy. One thing is for sure though – basketball hasn’t exited the scene just yet.

“Playing overseas is still an option,” Boston said.

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A 33-point, 10 assist performance from senior guard Cassondra Boston elevated the Hornets past the Bearcats of Southwest Baptist last night, 103-90.

          Junior forward Alli Volkens talked at length about Boston’s contributions to the team.

          “It makes it a lot easier on us, that’s for sure,” Volkens said. “It’s not that we expect Boston to score, but we almost do expect her to score. When she does score, it helps…if she wasn’t shooting lights out first half, we would have been in a hole, that’s for sure.”

Freshman guard Rachel Hanf hit a three-pointer to start the game for the Hornets. Another three-pointer, this time from sophomore guard Brittney Miller, gave ESU six early points and a 6-2 lead with just over 18:30 to play in the half.

Following three straight SBU treys, the Hornets found themselves trailing the Bearcats 11-10, but Boston’s three-pointer put the Hornets back on top, 13-11. A layup by senior guard Jamie Augustyn and another three-pointer from Boston gave the Hornets 18-13 lead.

The game was tied up at 21-all with just over 13 minutes to play until an easy low post put back by junior forward Alli Volkens gave the Hornets a two point lead. A timeout on the floor saw the Hornets leading the Bearcats 32-29 with 8:44 left in the half.

The Hornets went on a 13-3 run until an ESU timeout paused the action at the 1:01 mark. Emporia State went into the locker room with a 54-47 lead at the half.

The teams traded points back and forth to begin the second half. Southwest Baptist made a short run before the first media timeout of the half stopped the action with the Hornets holding onto a 61-57 lead with 14:37 to play.

A technical foul was called on SBU Coach J.C. Carter, giving the Hornets an opportunity for extra points at the free throw line. The technical foul points gave the Hornets a 67-59 advantage with over 13:30 left in the contest.

The Hornets coasted to the end of the game, easily winning over SBU 103-90.

ESU Coach Brandon Schneider was pleased with Boston’s performance but was concerned about the team’s defensive showing.

“I thought she (Boston) shot it well,” Schneider said. “But you know what – they had a couple guys shoot it well too. All in all, I wasn’t thrilled with anybody’s defense.”

Boston said that the team’s intensity will need to be raised in order to better perform on that end of the court.

“I think we just need to apply more pressure,” Boston said. “We’ve kind of gotten away from pressuring people as much.”

The team shot an impressive 75 percent from beyond the arc, while also shooting just over 65 percent from the floor. Southwest Baptist was held to just over 50 percent from the floor. The Hornets out rebounded SBU 27-20.

Volkens scored 16 points for the Hornets, along with 13 from Augustyn and 11 from Hanf. Volkens also chipped in two blocks.

Missouri Southern is on tap next for the Hornets. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 13 in White Auditorium.

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Senior guard Cassondra Boston launches a 3-point shot over an FHSU defender Wednesday night at White Auditorium. Boston was the top scorer of the night with 26 of ESU’s 88 points. Kellen Jenkins/ The Bulletin

Despite 17 turnovers, the Emporia State women’s basketball team routed the Tigers of Ft. Hays State last night, 88-67.

To start the half, sophomore guard Brittney Miller swished a three-pointer to give the Hornets an early lead. Miller scored the next two points for the Hornets on their next possession, this time from the free throw line.

The post presence of forward Alli Volkens was known as soon as she checked in – on the team’s first possession with Volkens in the game, she was given the ball and made an easy bucket down low. The Tigers, being ever resilient, would not give up and come back to within one of the Hornets, 14-13, with just over 14 minutes to play in the half.

After a media timeout and an empty Ft. Hays possession, Boston drove the entire length of the court and made a layup, giving the Hornets a seven point lead, 20-13, with 12:03 left in the half. Volkens continued her show of dominance on the low block offensively, scoring a slashing layup off of a backdoor pass, bringing the score to 27-25 with just over six minutes to play in the first half.

A timeout on the floor paused the action with the Hornets holding onto a narrow lead, 29-26, with 4:54 remaining in the half. With less than a minute in the half, Volkens struck again on the low block, giving the Hornets the slight advantage at 34-30.

Senior guard Sophia Lenard looks for an opening in the Tiger defense Monday night at White Auditorium. Lenard got 5 rebounds and 9 points for Hornets. Kellen Jenkins/ The Bulletin

To end the half, Ft. Hays guard Naomi Bancroft chucked up a prayer from beyond the arc, which was answered as the shot banged into the net, cutting the Hornets lead to one, 34-33.

To start the second half, FHSU scored first on the low block and took the team’s first lead of the game, 35-34. On the ensuing ESU possession, Taylor was the first to score for the Hornets on a second chance jump shot from three feet out. After a made Ft. Hays free throw, Miller used her strength to power through a foul and make the basket and the free throw that followed. Miller scored again on a fast break, driving to the hole and making a contested layup which brought the score to 41-38 in favor of ESU.

Freshman guard Rachel Hanf shot and made her first three-pointer of the night, adding to the Hornets lead. A timeout on the floor saw the Hornets with the slight edge, 46-42, with 14:29 remaining in the contest.

Junior forward Alli Volkens goes for a layup Wednesday night at White Auditorium. Volkens totaled 11 points against the Tigers. Kellen Jenkins/ The Bulletin

Emporia State continued their small run after the timeout, this time courtesy of senior guard Sophia Lenard on a spinning move that ended in a jump shot. After a made free throw by FHSU’s Kara Champlin, senior guard Cassondra Boston made a trey that put the Hornets up by eight with just over 13 minutes to play in the game. Freshman guard/forward Jocelyn Cummings extended the lead to 10 points off of a layup, then added two more points in the paint, on the ensuing ESU possession.

A media timeout saw the Hornets commanding a lead over the Tigers, 62-50, with 9:17 left to play in the half. Emporia State went on an 8-2 run after the timeout, thanks largely in part to consecutive three-pointers from Boston.

The Hornets coasted the rest of the way, capturing the easy win, 88-67.

ESU Coach Brandon Schneider was not pleased with the team’s first half performance.

“In the first half we had 11 turnovers, we were sloppy,” Schneider said. “We weren’t patient. We were trying to go inside, and we weren’t patient and didn’t execute a couple out of bounds plays where we threw the ball away.”

Boston said that the beginning of the second half was shaky for the team.

“In the second half we kind of got a little complacent and let them back in it,” Boston said. “We weren’t rebounding and getting as many stops as we needed to. In the second half we realized that they were in it and we need to come out and play hard.”

Hanf noted team chemistry, along with talent, as important factors in the team’s recent success.

“Everyone on the team has the ability score a lot,” Hanf said. “Once we all get on the same page and start doing what we can, it really helps.”

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Guard Brittney Miller works for an opening against a UCM defender Saturday night at White Auditorium. The Hornets beat the Jennies 72-66. Kellen Jenkins/ The Bulletin

The Emporia State women’s basketball team, coming off a 1-1 conference road trip, opened home play Saturday with a win against Central Missouri, 72-66.

The Hornets started the game down early, 13-7 with 15:48 left in the first half. The Jennies would increase their lead to nine at the first media timeout, leading the Hornets 16-7. Central Missouri extended their lead even more, this time leading the Hornets by 10 at 23-13 with 10:33 left in the half – ESU would call timeout.

After the timeout, the Hornets would battle back to within seven, with key efforts from senior guard Cassondra Boston, freshman guard Rachel Hanf and a big-time block from sophomore guard Brittney Miller.

Freshman Kelsey Newman would hit a three in the corner to get the Hornets within four, taking the score to 28-24 in favor of the Jennies. The presence of sophomore forward Allie Volkens continued to be a frustration point for Central Missouri – she would nail two free throws to narrow the Jennies lead to two before a UCM timeout. Volkens would be the one to tie the game for the Hornets at 28-all with a nice spin move on the low block, however, Central Missouri would answer with a bucket of their own to take the lead again at 30-28.

Once again, Volkens hit another low block basket to tie the game at 30 with 4:30 left in the first half. Forward Ashley Ferrell would be the one to give the Hornets the edge this time, coming off a free throw point on foul called on a slashing move to the basket.

Forward Ashley Ferrell takes a lay up Satuday night at White Auditorium against the UCM Jennies. Kellen Jenkins/ The Bulletin

With 1:12 left in the half, the score was tied at 33. Junior center Negesti Taylor scored on the low block with 24.3 seconds left, making the traditional three point play that gave the Hornets the lead, 36-33. The Jennies would answer on their own low block with a bucket, closing the half with the Hornets leading by one, 36-35.

Boston said that there was an emphasis put on feeding the low post throughout the first half.

“We started out taking a lot of jump shots, then we started running plays to get inside,” Boston said.” “Alli was scoring, so we kept going to her. We got in the bonus early so we knew we had to take it to them on the inside and score inside.”

Volkens commented on what her expectations were for the game.

“Brandon (Schneider) talked to me in shoot around, and he said that he just wanted me to come off the bench and be a spark for the team,” Volkens said. “We got down early so I just tried to come in and play hard.”

The Jennies would score the first five points of the second half, followed by a three-pointer by Jamie Augustyn to cut the UCM lead to one at 40-39. Augustyn would answer with another three to take the lead for the Hornets, which was followed by a slashing bucket by the Jennies to tie the game at 42 with 17:00 left in the half.

Volkens would continue her reign of dominance on the low block offensively, netting another bucket, giving her 12 points on the night at the time. A timeout on the floor saw a break in the action with the Jennies leading the Hornets

Forward Alli Volkens shoots over a UCM defender Saturday night at White Auditorium. Kellen Jenkins/ The Bulletin

50-46 with 14:00 minutes to go in the contest.

The Hornets would pick it up on offense, with senior guard Lacy Corker driving to the basket for a deuce and Volkens once again hitting a low block shot, leading to a traditional three pointer that put the Hornets on top, 54-52 with 10:30 left to go in the half.

After a timeout on the floor, Boston would lead the way for the Hornets, converting on a traditional three point play to give the Hornets the lead at 57-53 with 8:45 to go. Boston would score again, this time giving the Hornets three from beyond the arc, forcing Central Missouri to call timeout.

ESU stepped it up on the offensive side of the ball once more with the help of two consecutive Boston three point plays, putting the Hornets ahead of the Jennies 63-55 with 4:38 left in the contest.

With 1:13 to go, Emporia State called timeout with a six point lead at 67-61. Miller hit a nice basket down low, which was followed by a UCM timeout after a Jennies three-pointer – the Hornets held on to a five point lead.

Full-court pressure on the ESU inbounds play saw a Boston turnover, which converted to two Jennies points, cutting the Hornets lead to three at 69-66.

Forward Jocelyn Cummings looks for an open teammate Saturday night at White Auditorium as ESU faced UCM. Kellen Jenkins/ The Bulletin

In clutch fashion, Corker hit a three-pointer with 8.0 seconds left, sealing the deal for the Hornets and giving them the close victory, 72-66.

“I missed a few threes earlier in the game and Boston, they’re always going to come in on Boston when she drives, and when she drove she dished it out and saw us open,” Corker said. “I happened to be the open one, and I made it.”

Volkens led all scorers with 20 points in addition to seven rebounds. Boston added 16 points for the Hornets along with eight assists.

Boston attributed the team’s play to a solid week of practice.

“I think this week (in practice) we really got a lot accomplished,” Boston said. “We had really productive practices this week, and I think it definitely paid off and showed in this game.”

After a short break, the Hornets will be back in action on the road on Dec. 21 against California State University-East Bay in Hayward, Calif.

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Last Saturday the ninth ranked Emporia State women’s basketball team beat seventh ranked Washburn 85-78 in a battle for first place in the MIAA. The Hornets continued their dominance last night, defeating Fort Hays 90-51.

The Hornets kept their offensive swagger with junior guard Cassondra Boston, who shot 24 points and senior forward Ida Edwards who completed her seventh double double of the season.

At the start of the match, the Hornets failed to make shots, which allowed Washburn to take a 12-0 run. The Hornets broke their cold streak after senior guard Andrea Leiker shot a three pointer which ignited an offensive run.

“I think that run gave us a lot of momentum,” said senior forward Allie Renberg.   “We came out and were down and finally made a run and I think it just gave us a lot of confidence and we did it by attacking the paint getting the ball inside and being aggressive and driving it to the hoop.”

The Hornets shot well from the free throw line with an 88.9 percent average on the night.

“We needed every one of them considering Washburn shoots 82 percent from the line,” said head coach Brandon Schneider. “When you have teams playing that hard and that physical I am sure it is hard to officiate but both teams stepped up to make foul shots.”

Coming off of the bench, Allie Renberg stepped up and made 10 points, helping the Hornets seal the win.

“I was really excited for this game,” Renberg said. “I knew I had to step it up when people got into foul trouble and stay confident. I am trying really hard in practice and in the game to show that I can play.”

By the middle of the second half, the Hornets were in the lead when star player Edwards came crashing down with a cramp.

“The play before I jumped up I caught a little cramp in my calf muscle,” Edwards said. “But I ran down the court for a defensive rebound and it just caught me in the air but just a cramp thankfully.”

The Hornets kept their first place position in the conference putting them at fifth ranked in the WBCA/USA Today/ESPN Division II Top 25 poll.

Last night the Hornets traveled to Fort Hays to begin their three-game road trip.

During the first half, the Hornets shot 50 percent from three-point range while scoring 22 of the points in the paint.

Continuing to the second half, the Hornets pulled away with four starters, reaching double digits in scoring. At the end of the night, Edwards reached her eighth double double this season with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

The Hornets are now 15-2 in overall play and 9-1 in MIAA action. The Hornets will face Northwest Missouri this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Missouri.

Cristian Echeverria/THE BULLETIN

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After last week’s 78-76 win over Pittsburg State, the Emporia State women’s basketball team is getting ready for Saturday’s match up against seventh nationally ranked Washburn University.

Coming off of winter break, the Hornets kept their swagger with key players making big plays putting the Hornets at second in scoring and rebounding margin, fifth in blocked shots and ninth overall in the nation according to NCAA Division II rankings.

“We want to continue our success with our big three: Cassandra, Ida and Lieker, who have put together good games on offense and defense,” said assistant coach Jory Collins.

Last time these teams met, the Hornets fell to Washburn 73-58 in the NCAA Division II South Central Regional Championship game. Despite the loss, the Hornets lead the series 39-36 winning the last seven out of 11 games at William Allen White Auditorium.

“Last year we had eight new players all of them new to the rivalry,” said head coach Brandon Schneider.” I think they are familiar with it now and mentally should handle it a lot better.”

Coming into this rivalry Emporia has had high numbers on offense with help from

senior forward Ida Edwards who is coming off of her sixth double double last Saturday with 21 points on offense and 14 rebounds.

“Playing against Pittsburg on the road last week was a big win for us,” Edwards said. “Washburn unfortunately is coming off of a loss, but we are playing in White Auditorium so I think it is a big advantage for us.”

With a Hornet win the teams record will be 14-2 overall and 8-1 in conference play. The Hornets will face Washburn at 5 p.m. Saturday at the William Allen White Auditorium.

Cristian Echeverria/The Bulletin

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