Saints Fall In Thriller In Alexandria
Alexandria, LA- The Our Lady of the Lake Saints women's basketball battled with composure and determination, but fell just short in a 66–64 contest against LSU Alexandria Generals women's basketball in a game defined by defensive intensity and narrow margins.
From the opening tip, the Saints established their presence through disciplined half-court offense and aggressive perimeter defense. Shayla Dede set the tone with poise, contributing 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and six steals in a dynamic two-way performance. Her defensive anticipation repeatedly disrupted LSU Alexandria's rhythm and created transition opportunities that kept OLLU within striking distance throughout the evening.
Alexandra Westerdijk Martin delivered a standout offensive effort, pouring in 22 points on an efficient 8-of-13 shooting from the field and 6-of-7 from the free-throw line. She added seven rebounds and battled consistently in the paint, providing the Saints with a reliable scoring option during critical stretches. Samantha Fields contributed 10 points, including a three-pointer, while Macie Moss anchored the glass with a team-high nine rebounds and converted all four of her free-throw attempts. Isabella Jaramillo added six points and two assists, helping facilitate ball movement as OLLU sought to break down a disciplined LSUA defense.
As a team, the Saints shot 37.5 percent from the field and an impressive 87 percent from the free-throw line, converting 20 of 23 attempts. Their work on the boards resulted in 30 total rebounds, including 10 offensive, reflecting sustained effort and second-chance opportunities. However, three-point shooting proved challenging, as OLLU connected on just 2 of 17 attempts from beyond the arc. In a game ultimately decided by two points, that margin from long distance loomed large.
LSU Alexandria countered with balanced scoring and timely execution. Justice Young recorded 14 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Generals, while Kelly Norris added 13 points and four assists. The Generals shot nearly 40 percent from the field and capitalized on five made three-pointers, a key statistical edge. Their 37 total rebounds and 16 assists underscored a collective approach that kept them steady in late-game possessions.
Despite forcing 19 turnovers and recording 12 steals, the Saints were unable to generate enough separation in the final minutes. The contest remained tightly contested until the closing seconds, with each possession carrying postseason intensity. Ultimately, LSU Alexandria's efficiency from beyond the arc and slight rebounding advantage proved decisive.