Women's Basketball Win Over Pratt

Fort Hays Tech Northwest Women's Basketball earned its first victory of the season Wednesday night, defeating Pratt Community College 70–54.

Pratt jumped out to an early lead, going up 10–4 three minutes into the contest. The Lady Tigers would quickly find their offensive rythem, eventually closing the gap to 15–13, prompting the Beavers to call a quick timeout. Tech trailed 19–15 at the end of the opening quarter but quickly tied the game at 19–19 early in the second. From there, the Lady Tigers seized control, building a double-digit lead behind sophomore Marta Rodriguez, who attacked the basket while also connecting from beyond the arc. Tech closed the half on a dominant run and took a 38–25 lead into halftime.

FHNW picked up right where it left off in the second half, opening with a 10–2 run to push the lead to 21 points just three and a half minutes in. Pratt worked to cut into the deficit late in the third quarter, but Tech maintained control and carried a 54–38 advantage into the final period. The Beavers attempted to rally in the fourth, but each basket was quickly answered by the Lady Tigers, who never allowed the lead to slip securing their win, 70–54.

On the glass, Tech matched Pratt with 41 rebounds despite Pratt's size in the post. The Tigers were also able to convert more of their offensive boards, resulting in 21 second-chance points. The real difference in the game came in the 2nd quarter, where the Lady Tigers outscored the Beavers 23-6 to take their 13 lead going into halftime. 

Three Lady Tigers finished in double figures, led by Marta Rodriguez's career-high 30 points. Vitória Fernandes recorded a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double, while Al'asia Brown added 10 points off the bench.

Women's Basketball will return to competition on Wednesday the 28th at Garden City Community College.