By Cecil Folds

Amid the AISA basketball state playoffs, the Fort Dale Varsity Lady Eagles emerged victorious in the first round of play Thursday.

The Lady Eagles faced off against the Wildcats of Edgewood Academy on Thursday, Feb. l, at 3 p.m. and walked away victoriously with a 53-44 win.

High spirits and determination abounded as the Eagles hit the court. And it showed, as they held the Wildcats to only 2 points for the first quarter while netting 11 for themselves.

The second quarter ended with a 10-point lead for the Eagles , but the opposition was able to net 16 points. 

The lead dropped in the third quarter to 8 points, but a large group of supporters cheered the Eagles on in the fourth and they pulled out a 9-point win.

Anna Blake Langford, Bailey Coker and Lucy Bates charged the basket aggressively and netted 25, 14 and 11 points.  Langford added one 3-pointer and Alex Little added a 3-pointer of her own.

The Lady Eagles were a little shy of 50 percent at the free throw line, sinking 7 of 15.

Fort Dale will take on Tuscaloosa at 10 a.m. on Saturday.