BY FHU Sports Information Director
Dustin Semore
The No. 24 Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions hosted the Hornets of Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) University in 2023’s final home game. FHU had no trouble with the former American Midwest Conference, claiming an 85-23 victory.
Freed-Hardeman’s (12-2) defense shined in the first quarter, only forcing multiple bad shots. HSSU was 1-11 in the frame, with their first – and only – bucket of the quarter coming at 4:30. The Lady Lions had no issue finding the hoop, particularly from long range with KJ White, Kalea Fleming, and Rachel Satterly all netting triples to give FHU a 13-0 lead. Late in the frame, it was layups from Kelsey Bender, Kaylee Odom, and Alaina Stiles that pushed FHU to a 23-2 first quarter lead.
The second quarter was bookended by Harris-Stowe State (1-5) scores. Between; however, saw the Lady Lions continuing to shoot the ball well with Brooklyn Crouch and Carissa Curtis joining the 3-pointer club. Cruising to a halftime lead of 34, the Lady Lions went into intermission leading 40-6.
The third period saw the Lady Lions drive into the paint more often, scoring 12 of their 23 third quarter points by layups. Stiles and Curtis hit 3-pointers to give FHU a 63-14 lead heading into the final 10 minutes.
Angelina Barr and Katie Arms saw significant minutes and made the most of them with Arms sinking a pair of 3-pointers and Barr depositing three layups and grabbing four rebounds to close out the 85-23 victory.
The Lady Lions were an outstanding 60% from the floor while holding the opposition to 17%. FHU also showed unselfish ball movement, tallying 22 assists to the Hornets’ two.
Freed-Hardeman spread the love around with all 12 players to see action recording at least three points. Kelsey Bender was 6-7 from the floor to bucket 12 points, while Brooklyn Grouch connected for 10. Carissa Curtis led FHU’s rebounding with seven, and four Lady Lions helped out with four assists: Katie Arms, Brooklyn Crouch, Carissa Curtis, and KJ White.
Up next: The Lady Lions will enjoy their holiday break before returning for action in the Sunshine State, facing Webber International (Fla.) University on Friday, December 29 at 2 p.m. before visiting the Warner (Fla.) University Royals at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 30.
