The Wiregrass Bulls girls basketball team secured a win against the Land O’ Lakes Gators 31-29 after a back-and-forth game for their season opener. 

The Gators jumped to an early 6-1 lead in the first quarter. However, the remainder of the first quarter was a stale-mate with no one reaching the basket.

“We all focused up after the first quarter and started to be more aggressive with the ball,” Senior guard Allison Fleming said.

The game stayed close through the second quarter, with every point being answered by the other team. Going into the half, the score was 12-8, with the Bulls still holding the lead.

Starting the second half, top scorer for the game, junior Zoi Evans ran down the court making another two pointer, while also getting fouled, increasing the Bulls’ lead 14-8. Evans converted the and-one, making the score 15-8 Lady Bulls.

The Gators made it a one point game late in the third after hitting a few threes, making the score 17-16 Gators.

There were multiple lead changes in the final stretch of the game. The Gators had the lead and held it for a while with solid defense, not allowing the Bulls to score. With five minutes left in the fourth quarter, the score was 29-26, Bulls down by three.

Fleming passed the ball to freshman point guard, Tiffany Colin who buried a three-pointer, tying the game at 29. With only 1:30 left, forward Emma Gregory was fouled receiving two free-throw attempts. With the crowd roaring, Gregory lined up and made both of her free throws, winning the game for the Bulls with a final score of 31-29.

“I’m excited to see where coach Craine takes us and does with our talent on the team,” Gregory explained. “This game shows us that we can come together as a team and pull off a tough win.”