By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Carly Heim scored a game-high 15 points and hit four free throws in the final 30 seconds to lead the Fort Hays State women to a 52-46 win over Pittsburg State in the semifinals of the MIAA Tournament. The Tigers (25-5) have won five straight and 12 of their last 14 and advance to their second championship game in four years. They will play Lindenwood who advanced with a 59-41 win over Missouri Western. Tipoff is at 1 pm Sunday at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.

FHSU Postgame Press Conference

Talia Kahrs Postgame Interview

Game Highlights

Emma Stroyan scored the Tigers first seven points helping them build a 19-6 first quarter lead. Pitt State (23-7) answered with a 12-2 run to pull within five with 3:24 left in the second and closed the gap to seven at the half.

After the Gorillas got within six early in the third, the Tigers closed the quarter with a 15-4 run to go up 17.

Just like they did in the quarterfinals against Washburn, Pitt State mounted a late rally, outscoring the Tigers 16-4 to pull within five with 2:23 to play.

After missing two free throws with 31 seconds to play, Carly Heim got her own offensive rebound and was fouled. She hit the next two free throws to push the lead to seven.

In addition to Heim’s 15 points, Emma Stroyan hit two threes and added 12.

Brenlee McPherson led the Gorillas with 13. Mikaela Burgess and Paige Imhoff were held to 3-of-28 shooting beyond the arc and combined to score nine as the Gorillas were held to their lowest scoring output of the season.