AUSTIN, Texas - The St. Edward's Women's Basketball team showed shades of high caliber play in its season opener Saturday night, as they defeated Fort Lewis College, 58-54, at the Recreational and Convocation Center.
 
After witnessing the 2013-14 Women's Basketball Team collect its Heartland Conference Championship rings, this year's squad started the game eager to begin its journey and add to the trophy case. 
 
St. Edward's (1-0) jumped out to an early lead when LEXI FATHEREE recorded the Hilltoppers first basket of the season. Fatheree, a new addition to the team from Division I, Stephen F. Austin, went on to tally the first nine points of the game for St. Edward's, who led 9-6 with 16:15 left to play in the half.
 
On the other side of the floor, the Hilltoppers flaunted an energetic defensive front. Leading the way was senior leader KATHLEEN BRISBANE, who came up with four steals in the period.
 
The Hilltoppers would continue to ride the offense of Fatheree, along with sophomore guard, MILEKA LOYDRAKE, who scored 12 points and nine points, respectively in the first half. At the break, St. Edward's would lead Fort Lewis (0-1), 30-18.
 
As the second half began, it seemed that the Hilltoppers would run away with the victory as they built themselves a 20-point lead with 10:45 left in the contest. However, Fort Lewis had other plans.
 
With 0:42 seconds left in the game, the Skyhawaks had cut the deficit to three. After a St. Edward's turnover, Fort Lewis had a shot to tie the game, however, was unable to connect. As time ran down, the young Hilltopper team would hold on for the victory.
 
Fatheree and Loydrake, who steadied the offense all night, finished with 20 points and 22 points, individually.
 
When asked about her offensive weapons, Head Coach J.J. Riehl, who has not lost a home opener in her tenure, remarked, "Mel (Loydrake) and Lexi (Fatheree) have worked really hard all preseason long. They both are very capable offensive players and they showed that here tonight."
 
"On the defensive end, Aimee (Durbidge) and Kat (Brisbane) had solid performances. Those two senior leaders bring tenacity to the defensive end on a daily basis and are great examples for our young players," Riehl said.
 
St. Edward's returns five players from last year's squad along with 10 new faces.
 
"This young team needs to learn how to perform at a high level for 40 minutes and understand how to win games. They are a talented group who is eager to learn, and as a staff we believe we are heading in the right direction," Riehl remarked.
 
The Hilltoppers will be back in action Tuesday against Huston-Tilloston. Tip off is set for 7 p.m. Live video and stats will be available via the St. Edward's Athletic Website.