By By Adam Robinson – Sports Editor
It has been a long time since the W.S. Neal Lady Eagles have achieved a 4-4 record eight games into the season, but that is where the team stands after wins over J.U. Blacksher and Excel.
The Lady Eagles defeated Blacksher 49-35 Friday night in Uriah and defeated Excel 25-20 Monday night at home.
In the win over the Excel Panthers, the game was close the whole night until four seconds into the fourth quarter when the Lady Eagles built a 24-14 lead with 7:56 left in the game.
Excel struck first in the game taking a 2-0 lead with 5:47 in the first quarter.
After the Lady Eagles tied the game at 2-2 with 4:31 after Rachel Davis' basket, Excel took a 4-2 lead.
Freda Folmar put the Eagles ahead 5-4 with 2:30 left in the first after connecting on a 3-pointer to give the Eagles a 5-4 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Excel to a 6-5 lead to start out the second quarter of action, but Neal went on an 8-0 run to take a 13-6 lead with 1:27 after two consecutive steals and points by Davis and Folmar as Neal took a 13-9 lead at the half.
After getting two early free throws from Tekshia Jones to go ahead 15-9 with 6:36 in the third, Excel stormed back to get within 15-13 at the 5:44 mark.
W.S. Neal quickly ended the threat and put together a 7-0 run to go up 22-14 at the end of the third quarter.
The Eagles would only get three points in the fourth as Neal went 7:05 second without scoring, but held on after a late Excel rally for the win.
The Lady Eagles will be back in action on Thursday when they host the Escambia County Tournament.
W.S. Neal will square off against Flomaton in a 6:30 match up on Thursday.
In the game against J. U. Blacksher, Freda Folmar continued her hot streak as she connected for 26 points to lead the Eagles.
W.S. Neal jumped out to a 27-13 halftime lead and then cruised to the 14-point win.