Taylor Hodges, Sports Information Director

HENDERSON, Tenn. – The No. 1 Lady Lions (31-2, 25-2 AMC) were able to capture the American Midwest Conference Tournament Championship on Monday night by defeating No. 3 Columbia College (29-4, 21-4 AMC) 60-53.

The Lady Lions seemed to be in control for the entire game, taking the lead from the start of the game and never wavering.

The regular-season champs led by as many as 13 in the contest, mostly behind the junior forward Haylee Croom, who came just short from having a career high in points.

The All-Conference selection finished with a game-high 30 points and pulled down nine rebounds.

Freed-Hardeman only went six deep into their bench, as they were missing All-American Sandrea Sylman – who was named the AMC Player of the Year – due to an injury in Friday's semifinal game against William Woods.

That didn't seem to slow the home squad down, as they just seemed to keep getting points in the pain.

The visiting Cougars came out strong in the final period and took advantage of the one weakness of the Lady Lions on the evening, which was shooting from behind the 3-point line. The Lady Lions went 0-for-11 in that part of their game.

But late defensive stops and made free throws by Reagen Floyd sealed the deal for the newly-crowned champions.

The Lady Lions will have a little over a week off as they travel to Montana to prepare to defend their national title a year ago. The tournament begins on March 13 and runs through March 19.

The NAIA National Tournament Bracket Reveal is on Wednesday at 5 p.m., and will be broadcasted live on Facebook.

AMC Postseason Awards:

Coach of the Year: Dale Neal

Player of the Year: Sandrea Sylman

Defensive Player of the Year: Haylee Croom

First-Team All Conference: Sandrea Sylman, Haylee Croom

Second-Team All Conference: Carrie Hatchel

All-Freshman Team: Chynia Brooks

All-Defensive Team: Haylee Croom