Women's Basketball | 3/6/2016 9:30:00 AM

TULSA, Okla. – St. Edward's Women's Basketball has fought its way to the Heartland Conference Tournament Championship game against No. 1 Lubbock Christian, and it will be historic, to say the least.
 
The Hilltoppers' path to the finals has been filled with milestones, and notable wins. Not only did St. Edward's knock off second-seeded Arkansas Fort Smith, and third-seeded Texas A&M-International to reach the title game, but they will also be the first six seed to compete for a tournament championship in Heartland Conference History.
 
It should also be noted that the Hilltoppers' win over the Lady Lions was their first since January of 2015. However, the most historic piece of all may be the broadcast platform. For the first time in league history, the men's and women's final games will be broadcast across the country and around the world on ESPN3.
 
The partnership came as a direct result of the hard work by Heartland Conference Commissioner, Tony Stigliano, and the impact is not lost on St. Edward's Athletic Director, Debbie Taylor.
 
"It is exciting for the Heartland Conference to have the championship games covered by ESPN3," said Taylor. "It is equally exciting that St. Edward's is a part of it. I'm proud to have the young ladies in our basketball program representing the university on this national platform."
 
St. Edward's Women's Head Coach J.J. Riehl is no stranger to the tournament. She has appeared in the championship game twice in four years at the helm of the Hilltoppers, and is also thrilled to be in the national spotlight.
 
"The opportunity to represent St. Edward's and the Heartland Conference on a national stage is a tremendous opportunity for our program," said Riehl. "We are very proud of who we are, and what we represent."
 
In preparation for Sunday's showdown, fans can use the link below to find in-depth notes on the Hilltoppers and their Cinderella-like season.