The Miami Lady Vandals dropped their first-round game at the Eastern Arizona College Holiday Tournament, falling 61-52 to the 1A St. David Lady Tigers in the first round before claiming a fifth-place finish.

“We were off tonight on our free throws and they make a difference, but I am very proud of the girls who have stepped up,” said Miami coach Crystal Pietila. “We are not at full strength but the girls are filling the gaps.”

The Lady Vandals defeated the 1A Duncan Lady ‘Kats 57-13 before beating another 1A team, Fort Thomas, 48-44.

Miami played the tournament behind top player Layla Thompson, named to the All-Tournament team.

The EAC Holiday Tournament is near and dear to Miami coach Pietila, who played basketball for the Lady Gila Monsters in the 2000s.

“It’s nice to go back to a place you graduated from,” said Pietila of bringing her team back to where she played college basketball while earning one of her many degrees.

“I love being here because it is nice to come back here,” she said. “The girls were excited to get into this tournament. Their goal was to make the championship, but we have very respectable young ladies and it will be fun.”

Miami is 6-4 on the season and will be playing in the Epics New Year Tournament. The Lady Vandals are in the Silver Division bracket and play against Mayer in the opening round. The Epics Tourney is a 16-team bracket and the Silver Division is the third-toughest bracket amongst Arizona teams.

Following the tournament, Miami has a tough road matchup against San Carlos on January 3.