ORLANDO, Fla. - Following a disappointing loss the night prior, the St. Edward's Women's Basketball team bounced back in a tenacious manner, setting school records for both free throws attempted (54), and free throws made (42), while cruising past Tuskegee, 90-68, in the third place game of the Rollins Thanksgiving Tournament Saturday afternoon.
 
St. Edward's (4-1) jumped out to an early lead behind the All-Tournament Team selection, LEXI FATHEREE.
 
Over the course of the first half, the Hilltoppers were aggressive to the rim and drew numerous fouls on Tuskegee (0-5). At halftime, the Hilltoppers had tallied 22 free throws to the Golden Tigers one and held a 41-21 advantage.
 
Aggressive play would continue from the Hilltoppers as the second half began, resulting in a multitude of free throw attempts, and an increasingly larger lead.
 
Four starters for the Hilltoppers would lead the way offensively for the rest of the game, as the Hilltoppers rolled its fourth victory of the season.
 
While St. Edward's recorded less field goals made (26-35) than Tuskegee, the Hilltoppers went 42-of-54 from the free-throw line.
 
The 2014-15 Hilltopper Women's Basketball Team, now sitting No.1 in the record book for free throws attempted and free throws made, surpassed the 1982-83 team who recorded 49 attempts against St. Mary's on January 22, 1983 and last year's team who made 39 free throws against Hillsdale College on November 8, 2013.
 
Fatheree would score a team high, 18 points, followed by 17 from both Kat Brisbane and MILEKA LOYDRAKE. Freshman SYDNEY THOMAS had a career high 15 points while shooting 11-for-14 from the free-throw line.
 
"Offensively we really attacked the paint and did a great job of getting the ball inside to the post players, or to the rim off dribble penetration. Today was by far the most balanced attack offensively as Kat (Brisbane) and Syd (Thomas) stepped up and joined Mel (Loydrake) and Lex (Fatheree) in double figures," said head coach J.J. Riehl.
 
"This tournament was a really good experience for our team. Our kids really stepped up and showed that we can play with anyone in the country," Riel said following the conclusion of the weekend.
 
The Hilltoppers will be back in action on Wednesday, as they host Southwestern at 6 p.m. at the Recreation and Convocation Center. Live video and stats will be available via the St. Edward's Athletic Website.