Box Score AUSTIN, Texas – The St. Edward's women's basketball team defeated UA Fort Smith 64-60 on Thursday night in the Heartland Conference opener. The Hilltoppers are now 5-0 overall on the season and this is the first time St. Edward's has been 5-0 since they became an NCAA Division II school during the 1999-00 season.
 
Head coach J.J. Riehl commented after the game, "It was anything but pretty, but we figured out a way to get the job done. Like I told the girls, that's what good teams do, they figure out a way to win despite the poor shooting, and other obstacles."
 
The Hilltoppers started the game on a 12-2 run through the first seven minutes of play. The aggressive defense didn't allow a field goal by UA Fort Smith until the 12:47 mark of the first half.
 
The Lions found their offensive rhythm and cut into the lead with eight-straight points. St. Edward's answered with a jumper from VALENCIA WHITE, and the Hilltoppers lead 19-13 with just under eight minutes remaining.
 
MILEKA LOYDRAKE added to the lead by scoring three of her game high 18 points. She gave St. Edward's a 22-15 lead. The Lions responded with a 9-0 run, giving the Lions their first lead of the game. HALEY MEEKINS scored a layup and tied the game with under two minutes remaining in the half. UA Fort Smith led at the break 26-25.
 
STEPHANIE DEKKERS opened up the second half with a trey helping St. Edward's reclaim the lead. The Hilltoppers then went on a 9-2 run over the course of four minutes increasing their lead to six points. Loydrake and ERIKA ROUSCULP scored all nine points during the run.
 
"Mel, Erika, and Stephanie really stepped up and scored some big buckets down the stretch," said Riehl.
 
The Lions scored seven unanswered points and they found themselves leading 44-43. They pushed their lead to three points until MADDIE WHEELER connected from downtown at the halfway mark of the second period. Dekkers gave the Hilltoppers the lead with a 10-foot jumper.
 
After a shooting lull for three minutes by both teams, Sydney Franklin and Justyne Huber gave the Lions a 52-48 advantage. Wheeler drained another basket from beyond the arc and cut the lead to one point. White gave the Hilltoppers the one point lead with a jumper from the baseline.
 
Both teams exchanged buckets and UA Fort Smith held the one point lead, but Dekkers answered with a downtown basket. St. Edward's led 60-58 with 1:44 remaining. The Lions tied the game at 60, but Loydrake and Rousculp helped secure the win scoring the final four points. The Hilltoppers brought home the victory, 64-60.
 
The Hilltoppers had three players score in double figures. Loydrake led the way with 18 points, while Dekkers added 15 and Rousculp chipped in with 14. Rousculp led the team with eight boards on the night. Dekkers led all players with four assists and Wheeler led all players with four steals.
 
Riehl closed her statement; "Overall I'm really happy for this group of young women. They have worked really hard for this moment and I'm happy their hard work, belief in each other and our program is proving dividends."
 
The Hilltoppers will be back in action Saturday as they host conference newcomer Rogers State at 1:00 p.m. The game will take place at the Recreation and Convocation Center on the St. Edward's campus. Live video and stats will be available through the Hilltopper athletic website.