Box Score

WICHITA, Kan. – An all out effort by DAWN KIEL and a double-double by ERIKA ROUSCULP lifted St. Edward's to a 59-55 victory over Newman on Saturday afternoon at the Fuagte Gymnasium.
 
St. Edward's (5-3, 2-0 HC) took an early 11-7 lead at the 15:46 mark of the first half. Kiel accounted for seven of the 11 points during that span. Newman (3-4, 0-1 HC) cut the lead to one point before MADDIE WHEELER connected on two jumpers and extended the Hilltopper lead 20-17 with 10:07 remaining.
 
For the next four minutes the teams went cold from the field. Neither team was able to find the bottom of the net. Rousculp ended the cold spell and made a free throw and hit a jumper from 15 feet. Kiel added two free throws and Wheeler knocked down a jumper to help St. Edward's take the 27-23 lead into the locker room.
 
James opened up the scoring in second half by scoring a layup that was setup by a SARAH KENDRICK steal. The Jets would slice the Hilltopper lead in half, 29-26 with a bucket by Chynna Ramelb with 18:49 remaining.
 
St. Edward's stretched the lead to 36-28 with 17:01 left in the game. James, Kendrick, and Kiel all scored during the run.
 
Both squads traded buckets until the 13:45 mark where the Jets started a run that cut the lead to two points. The Hilltoppers would have a 40-38 lead with 12:52 remaining. 
 
St. Edward's quickly got the lead back up to nine points at the 10:40 mark with two Kendrick free throws, a trey from Kiel, and layup by Rousculp. At that point, the Hilltoppers took a 47-38 lead. The Jets continued to battle, but the resilient Hilltoppers never let up. Down the stretch, STEPHANIE DEKKERS and Wheeler connected on clutch free throws to clinch the victory, 59-55.
 
Kiel ended with 16 points, six rebounds, and two assists, while Rousculp scored 11 points and hauled in 10 rebounds. Wheeler also scored in double figures, finishing with 11 points to go along with two rebounds and assists.
 
“I am extremely proud of how the team was able to grind out a tough road victory.  It's always tough to go on the road and get a win, especially in conference play. Our senior leadership was key on this conference road trip, and this win is a testament to how hard we have worked.” Head Coach J.J. Riehl commented after the game.
 
The Hilltoppers return home on Tuesday for a matchup against Northwood. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. at the Recreational Convocation Center (RCC) on the St. Edward's campus. Live video and stats will be available through the Hilltopper website.