A stifling defense powered Fort Dale Academy to a 43-11 victory over Monroe Academy Friday night in Greenville.

The Lady Eagles (12-7, 4-0 Class AAA, Region 2) forced 38 turnovers, snagged 18 defensive rebounds and held the Lady Volunteers to just four field goals in the win.

“Our girls are playing better and have played their best in the area games,” Fort Dale head coach Reggie Mantooth said. “We are really starting to rely on a good defensive effort.”

On Friday, the Lady Eagles held Monroe to just one point for the first 12 minutes of the contest. By the close of the first half, the Lady Eagles led 26-6.

The second half was more of the same, as Fort Dale held the Lady Vols to just six points, including one point in the final eight minutes of play.

The lopsided contest allowed Mantooth to give his reserve players extended playing time. All 10 players that dressed out for the game saw at least eight minutes of playing time and eight of those players scored at least two points.

Mary Sanford Perdue led the Lady Eagles’ offensive charge with 14 points, 12 of which came from beyond the three-point arc. Perdue was 4-for-8 from beyond the arc and also recorded five steals in the win.

Ashton Scott, Theresa Scott and Samantha Smith each scored six points in the win.

Fort Dale faced Morgan Academy Tuesday. Results were not available at press time. The Eagles will be back in action Friday when they host Escambia Academy at 6 p.m.