The fourth-seeded Fayette Lady Falcons lost a heartbreaker to third-seeded Community for third place in the New Franklin tournament on Saturday, falling in the hotly contested battle 52-49.

Fayette advanced to the championship side of the bracket after opening-round opponent Prairie Home, the fifth seed, backed out of the tournament after winter weather forced school to cancel. The Falcons then lost to Westran for the second out of three games against the Hornets so far this season.

Community came out strong in the first quarter, forcing several turnovers and tough shots for the Lady Falcons as they took a 16-10 lead.

Fayette adjusted, starting the second quarter with a 3-pointer by freshman Eastin Hill before working the ball into senior Kabrea Fair, who scored eight of her 17 points. Two free throws from Fair put Fayette within two, 25-27, with several minutes left. Community held on for a 30-27 lead at the half.

“We came out strong defensively. I’m proud of how our kids responded in the second quarter to cut into their lead,” said Fayette coach Rachel Harding.

The third quarter featured a back-and-forth contest, as Fair scored four quick points to give the Lady Falcons the lead. Hill added two 3-pointers in the quarter. The first one tied the game at 37, and the second gave Fayette a 40-39 advantage with only a few minutes remaining. Community scored twice more to take a 43-40 lead heading into the final period.

Defense dominated the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, with Hill scoring two points to get the Lady Falcons within one, 45-44, with 4:47 remaining. 

Hill hit yet another long bucket to tie the game at 48 and then hit one of two free throws to give Fayette a 49-48 advantage with only 25.7 seconds left. Community then converted one of two free throws to tie the game.

Fayette was unable to score as time ticked down, and Community hit a deep three with 5.6 seconds left to secure the win.

Fair and Hill led Fayette in scoring with 17 and 16 points, respectively. Senior Oakleigh Hill added 12 points.

“Our kids played really hard today and gave us a great chance to win,” Harding said. “We’ve played down a starter, but our younger girls played well. We had three players in double figures, and one was a freshman. We haven’t had any easy games, and that will only help us as we move forward in our season.”

The Lady Falcons host Pilot Grove on Monday evening before playing at Slater on Wednesday in a homecoming of sorts for Harding, who coached the Lady Wildcats the previous two seasons. Fayette then plays Clopton at Harrisburg on Friday evening as they participate in the Mid-Missouri Invitational by Ramey Basketball. Tipoff is at 6 p.m.