FAYETTE -The start of the 2000-2001 season for the Vidalia Lady Vikings was a rough one, as they lost 63-39 Saturday to the Murrah Lady Mustangs in a preseason match-up at the Jefferson County Basketball Classic.

The Jefferson County Lady Tigers faired a little better, defeating Jackson, La., 46-41.

Vidalia was without several key and back-up players due to ACT testing and other commitments, said Lady Vikings head coach Lillian Johnson.

&uot;We didn’t play well together today, but that’s because we haven’t practiced together,&uot; she said. &uot;The ball didn’t fall for us like it should have. Hopefully by the time the season starts that will get better.&uot;

Vidalia jumped out to an early 6-1 lead before Murrah’s Raven Rodgers scored eight consecutive points to give the Lady Mustangs the lead they would never relinquish. Rodgers finished the game with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Murrah went on a 10-0 run after halftime to run the score to 31-19, and a later 15-0 run brought the score to 54-33.

Three Lady Vikings led the team in scoring with 8 points each – Natalie McGraw, Dominique Trimble and Brandy Ellis, who also chipped in 12 rebounds.

&uot;I saw that they didn’t give up,&uot; Johnson said of her team. &uot;We were up against a good team with big girls. We just have to put it together.&uot;

Sherika Harried lit up the scoreboard in Jefferson County’s win, sinking 18 points. Travalyn Smith added 11 and Paulisha McBride had 6.