The Fort Hays State women’s basketball team opened the 2011-12 season on Saturday night (Nov. 12) at the St. Mary’s Classic in San Antonio, Texas. Facing tournament host St. Mary’s (Texas), the Lady Tigers led by two after a sluggish first half and pulled away and never trailed in the second half on their way to the season opening 70-60 win.

Both teams struggled offensively, but St. Mary’s still managed to shoot a better field goal percentage (45.5% to 43.5%) and outrebound (35 to 32) the Lady Tigers, but FHSU used a big advantage at the free throw line to get the victory. Fort Hays State hit 26-of-41 attempts (63.4%) from the stripe, while the Rattlers hit just 12-of-25 (48.0%).

Crista Bechard was one of five players for Fort Hays State to score in double figures with a game-high 16 points. She was 4-for-8 from the field and hit 7-of-10 shots from the free throw line. Traci Keyser and Melissa Nelson had 14 and 13 points, respectively, while Katelyn Edwards and Keriann Shaw each added 10.

Fort Hays State opens the season 1-0 and will face No. 20 Tarleton State on Sunday (Nov. 13) at 1:00 pm.

– FHSU Sports Information –