Highlights and Postgame Interview

WICHITA, Kan. – The St. Edward's Women's Basketball team opened up Heartland Conference play with a gutsy, come-from-behind victory over Newman, Thursday night at the Fugate Gymnasium.
 
A slow start from both squads offensively would make for a back-and-forth affair early in the first half. However, it was the Jets who would pull away first as they built a lead, 27-19.
 
With two minutes left in the first half and facing an eight-point deficit, St. Edward's (7-2, 1-0 HC) would fight to close the first half on a run of its own. Following free throws from KATHLEEN BRISBANE and AIMEE DURBIDGE, Brisbane would convert on a layup that would cut the deficit to three, leaving the half time score, 27-24.
 
As the second half began, sophomore guard, MILEKA LOYDRAKE would knock down a jumper for her fifth point of the game, cutting the lead to one. However, Newman (3-6, 0-1 HC) would quickly bring the lead back to seven with 16:20 to play.
 
At the 10-minute mark, with the Hilltoppers trailing by seven, Loydrake would score seven-straight points for the Hilltoppers and cut the disadvantage to four. A bucket from LEXI FATHEREE with 6:27 remaining would tie the game, 43-43 for the first time since 17-17, in the first half.
 
 St. Edward's, clinging to a two-point lead, would find freshman SYDNEY THOMAS in the corner with three minutes left to play. Thomas, without hesitation, knocked down a tremendous three-point field goal to extend the lead to five.
 
The Hilltoppers would hold on for a 62-58 win to start Heartland Conference play and begin conference play with a win for the third time in head coach JJ Riehl's three-year tenure at the helm.
 
"I'm really pleased with our resolve and fight tonight. We were able to grind out a win not playing our best and that is what you have to do on the road in league play," Riehl said.
 
It was 16 points from Loydrake in the second half that lifted the Hilltoppers to its seventh win of the season.
 
"Offensively Mel (Loydrake) took over. She went to a different level and that's what good players do. Lexi (Fatheree) also stepped up and knocked down some big shots to get us going. And Sydney, who doesn't get enough credit, was huge down the stretch as well."

The Hilltoppers will head to the Christmas break following Saturday's matchup against Oklahoma Christian at 1 p.m. at the Eagles Nest. Live coverage will be available via the Eagle Athletic Website.