Fairfield girls basketball coach David Loper admits the regular season he put together for this year was not designed for aesthetic values.

The Indians not only played in the fierce Greater Miami Conference, they also had non-league matchups with Fairmont and Anderson, among other top teams in southwest Ohio.

So, the 7-15 mark heading into the first round of the Division I girls basketball tournament at Lakota East was not a big surprise.

“We play a lot of tough teams,” Loper said after the Indians claimed a 59-40 win over Amelia. “We like it that way, so we are ready to go when we get to tournament.”

It was just the second tournament win for the Indians since 2005 — something the second-year coach was glad to see.

“I don’t know the last time they had one,” Loper said. “It is nice to get one on the board; I feel good about that for the kids. Who knows what will happen from now.”

The Indians showed an aggressive trapping defense and a strong post game in taking control against Amelia (10-13) from the start.

Fairfield forced 21 Baron turnovers and outrebounded Amelia 36-16, allowing just one offensive rebound on the night.

“We knew they were good shooters and we had to control the boards underneath,” Loper said. “That’s a pretty good night rebounding.”

The Barons had a short lived 2-0 lead, but Fairfield forced four straight turnovers and got a three from Kaitlyn Mueller and a pair of baskets inside from Ashley Ricks to take a 9-2 lead they would never relinquish. Amelia cut the deficit to 9-7 with 2:40 left, but Brandi Williams answered with a trey for the Indians as they closed the quarter with a 12-4 run to take a 21-11 lead after the first eight minutes.

“The kids play well when they put pressure on the other team.” Loper said. “I don’t know what it is or why, but they play a lot better up-tempo. I like to play up-tempo, it is just making sure they understand the points of the game that go with it.”

Ricks led the Indians with 12 points as 11 different players scored in the win.

“On any given night, someone else can step up and be the leading scorer,” Loper said. “I like that we are as balanced as we are in scoring because teams can’t center on one person.”