On Monday, March 20 the Ashland University women’s basketball team played the University of Tyler at Texas in the quarterfinal round of the Elite Eight.

The Eagles came storming out of the gate getting multiple three-pointers from Hallie Heidemann and Maddie Maloney, in way of an 11-2 run to open the contest.

The Patriots responded well in the final eight minutes of the 1st quarter bringing the game back within reach at 22-16, at the end of one.

Throughout the second stanza of play the lead was maintained in the seven to eight-point range for the Eagles, eventually going into the break at a score of 36-29.

Coming out of the halftime break, the Eagles increased their lead to double digits with quick buckets by Hayley Smith and Hallie Heidemann.

“It is always good to see the first couple go in, and your teammates shots go in as well, it really gets our offense going,” said Heidemann.

The teams traded buckets throughout the end of the third quarter, and the Eagles maintained a 9-point lead heading into the final ten minutes of action.

The 9-point lead would stand still in the fourth with the Eagles nailing pivotal free throws down the stretch with five out of six coming from Savaya Brockington, Hallie Heidemann, and Annie Roshak.

Those six free throws proved to be a pivotal deciding factor as the Eagles held off the Patriots by a final score of 81-72.

“In the second half our defense waivered pretty significantly, but we still found a way win,” said Head Coach Kari Pickens.

Ashland will play the University of Tampa in the Final Four on Wednesday night tip-off is set for 9:30 p.m. EST

Final stats: 

Annie Roshak-24 PTS, 10 REB

Zoe Miller- 15 PTS, 3 REB

Hallie Heidemann- 14 PTS, 7 REB

Gallery • 4 Photos