2014-15 Heartland Conference All-Tournament TeamFORT SMITH, Ark. – The St. Edward's Women's Basketball team lost its semifinal matchup against No. 1 seed, Arkansas Fort Smith, Friday night at the Stubblefield Center, 81-52 to end the Hilltoppers' season.
St. Edward's (15-12) was the No. 4 seed coming into today's matchup; however, had split the season series with the Lions at one game apiece.
The Hilltoppers got off to a hot start, behind two three-pointers from
JAIMIE KADLECEK, forcing UA Fort Smith (19-8) to call an early timeout.
Unfortunately, after the break, the Lions would turn up their pressure, and go on a 14-0 run to take an 18-10 lead.
Turnovers would be the story for St. Edward's, as the pressure from UA Fort Smith would prove to be too much.
At the break, the Hilltoppers trailed, 41-25, putting themselves at a large disadvantage going into the second half.
The second period would be no different, as the Lions would continue their full-court pressure. St. Edward's quickly fell into a 25-point deficit four minutes into the second half, facing an insurmountable disadvantage.
The Lions would cruise to a 29-point win, advancing to the Heartland Conference Finals, Saturday afternoon again UT-Permian Basin.
The Hilltoppers would record a season-high 28 turnovers, which would be the difference in the ball game.
With the loss, the Hilltoppers will say goodbye to four beloved seniors:
KATHLEEN BRISBANE,
AIMEE DURBIDGE,
JAIMIE KADLECEK, and
TOMORROW HUFF.
Fatheree, who led the Hilltoppers with 12 points, was named to the Heartland Conference All-Tournament Team for her efforts.
On the other side, the Hilltoppers will return their two leading scorers,
MILEKA LOYDRAKE and
LEXI FATHEREE, along with nine other Hilltoppers.
