WOODVILLE — The Franklin County varsity girls tallied their 18th win of the season despite a slow start against divisional foe Wilkinson County.

The Lady Bulldogs, who are ranked the No. 3 team in the state, escaped with a 56-51 win in Woodville after a rough first quarter.

Franklin County began the game by allowing the Wilkinson County Lady Wildcats to go on an 11-2 run.

“We had a bad first quarter,” head coach Charles Moore said. “They are a well-coached team and were well prepared tonight.”

After trailing 11-6 at the end of the first period, the Lady Bulldogs settled down and took advantage of the Wildcats’ turnovers.

The Lady Bulldogs offensive intensity picked up and they managed double-digit scores in the final three periods. They managed 16 in the second, 15 in the third and 19 in the fourth.

“We didn’t let them develop anything,” Moore said. “What you saw tonight was a really good ball club.”

The two teams exchanged the lead throughout most of the game. Franklin County led 22-21 at the half.

The Lady Wildcats, however, fought back and grabbed a two-point lead heading into the fourth period. The final period, though, belonged to Franklin County.

“We have trouble in the first quarter, but we have a really good bench,” Moore said. “We have a lot of fresh legs for the fourth quarter.”

The Lady Bulldogs took advantage of being in the bonus and double bonus throughout most of the fourth. Franklin County’s aggressive offensive attack sent them to the free throw line multiple times. The Lady Bulldogs converted the crucial free throws down the stretch, extending their lead on Wilkinson County.

With an 18-1 record and a No. 3 ranking, coach Moore said he feels that his girls do not have any added pressure to succeed.

“We don’t even talk about it,” Moore said. “We’re just trying to get through the regular season and get to district.”

Vintrice Briggs led the Lady Bulldogs with 14 points; Kierra Collins trailed her with 13.