Women’s basketball takes loss to Fort Hays State

Aayusha Lama, Content Creator • February 5, 2025

The team discusses the next strategy to implement in the game. Despite their efforts, the Ichabods lost 85-47.

Ojashwi Shrestha
Aniah Wayne, junior guard, drives to the basket during the match. Wayne scored 5 points in 18 minutes of play.

Ojashwi Shrestha
The cheer team engages the audience in a tic-tac-toe game during halftime. One of the two participants won a t-shirt by winning the game.

Ojashwi Shrestha
The Tigers quickly took control after Washburn’s initial basket, scoring the next 10 points and maintaining their lead throughout the game. The Ichabods attempted to close the gap, but the Tigers dominated the game.

Ojashwi Shrestha
The audience supports the team by showcasing their handmade banners. They remained engaged throughout the match.

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Lora Westling, head women’s basketball coach, guides the team for the next strategy. The team gathered around and listened to their coach’s instructions.

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Payton Sterk, junior guard, takes a shot during Washburn University’s matchup against Fort Hays State University. Sterk contributed 10 points but the Ichabods couldn’t overcome the Tigers’ offense.

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Amaya Davison, junior guard, dribbles the ball to pass it to her teammates. The opponent snatched the ball from Davison.

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The cheer team performs their routine during half-time. The cheer team performed synchronized stunts during the halftime show.

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Davison guards the ball against her opponent, ready to snatch the ball from them. Davison was a key contributor as a defender throughout the game.

Ojashwi Shrestha
The team discusses the next strategy to implement in the game. Despite their efforts, the Ichabods lost 85-47.

Ojashwi Shrestha
Aniah Wayne, junior guard, drives to the basket during the match. Wayne scored 5 points in 18 minutes of play.

Ojashwi Shrestha

Washburn women’s basketball fell to Fort Hays State University 85-47 Jan. 30, marking their 10th loss of the season

The Ichabod’s offensive game started slow in the beginning. Yiibari Nwidadah, junior center, scored all 7 of Washburn’s first-half points.

At halftime, it became clear that adjustments were necessary. Recognizing the need for a shift in approach, the team came together to reassess their strategy.

“We decided that what we were doing wasn’t working and that we needed to figure out another way around it, and so we just got together and figured out the weakest part of their offense and tried to get through it,” said Gabi Giovannetti, junior guard.

The last first-half points from the Ichabods came from a 2 point jumper from Giovanetti, but Fort Hays was able to get the final few baskets and took to the locker rooms with a 41-17 lead.

“I thought we did better at the game plan. We had our scout before, but at halftime we kind of just needed to adjust to what they were doing because obviously, we weren’t stopping them,” Giovannetti said.

Washburn didn’t let the loss take too much of an effect, as they quickly turned around and took down the University of Nebraska-Kearney 85-78 Feb. 1.

“Our players have done a really nice job of practicing hard this time of year,” said Lora Westling, head women’s basketball coach. “We’re trying to be really efficient with our time on the floor, because it is such a long season. So we’re really kind of focused in and staying sharp in our fundamentals, making sure we’re scout ready.”

The team’s ability to adapt and refine their strategy reflects their commitment to improvement throughout the season. Head coach Lora Westling acknowledged the players’ dedication and effort in practice, emphasizing the importance of efficiency and focus.With each game, the players have worked to fine-tune their execution, strengthen team chemistry, and capitalize on key moments.

Washburn will finish out their season against all MIAA tournaments in preparation for the conference tournament starting March 5.

Edited by Eden Conrad, Stuti Khadka and Jeremy Ford

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About the Contributor

Ojashwi Shrestha, Content Creator

Hello, I am Ojashwi! I am Computer and Information Science major. I am from Nepal and I really enjoy listening to music and recently I am also into photography. I’m thrilled to be a part of the Washburn community and look forward to sharing my experiences and perspectives through student media. Additionally , I am serving as the secretary of the International club for 2024/25.