Lady Eagles Stay Hot at Home With Gritty Win Over Lorena

The Salado Lady Eagles remained undefeated at home on Tuesday night, delivering a tough, disciplined, and high-energy performance to knock off the Lorena Leopards, 51–45, inside the Eagle’s Nest. Behind a standout showing from senior Riley Guthrie, timely shooting from freshman Jemma Camp, and the leadership of senior Karlee Konarik, Salado outlasted a late Lorena push to secure the win.

Fast Start & Early Control

The Lady Eagles opened the game with sharp ball movement and strong interior play. Riley Guthrie scored the opening basket of the night and continued attacking inside, drawing fouls, finishing tough layups, and blocking multiple shots.

Senior Brianna Tutor added early scoring in the paint, helping Salado build and maintain control throughout the first quarter. By the end of one, the Lady Eagles led 9–8 and never looked rattled.

Depth Makes the Difference

One of Salado’s biggest strengths on the night came from its depth. Coach Diane Konarik rotated confidently, and every group on the floor contributed to the momentum.

Freshman Jemma Camp made an immediate impact — connecting on multiple three-pointers, including a momentum-shifting three late in the third quarter and another early in the fourth that helped build separation.

Senior Karlee Konarik knocked down a key three of her own and later buried two clutch free throws in the final seconds to help close out the game.

Kate Maedgen, Jenna Goodman, and McKenna Hoellen all delivered important defensive stands, rebounds, and pressure in transition, preventing Lorena from gaining consistent rhythm.

Second-Half Intensity

Lorena, coached by Hilary Morris, refused to go away. The Leopards repeatedly cut into Salado’s lead, pulling within single digits several times and even closing the gap to just a couple of points in the fourth quarter.

But every time Lorena surged, Salado responded.

A huge sequence early in the fourth — a Jemma Camp corner three, followed seconds later by a steal and fast-break finish — ignited the home crowd and pushed the Lady Eagles back in front by double digits.

Still, Lorena battled back to make it a two-possession game. Their length inside, especially from 6’2” freshman Kennedy Willis, forced Salado into tough shots late.

Closing It Out

With under a minute left, Salado led 49–42 before Lorena hit a deep three to narrow the margin to 49–45.

That’s when the seniors closed the door.

After drawing a foul with just 10 seconds remaining, Karlee Konarik stepped to the line and calmly sank both free throws, extending the lead to the final score of 51–45 and sealing the Lady Eagles’ victory!