The Andalusia Lady Bulldogs got area play started on strong note after picking up a 46-37 win over the Ashford Lady Yellow Jackets Tuesday night in Andalusia.

Shay Thomas started the night off strong for the Lady Bulldogs with 7 points in the opening period to give the Lady Bulldogs a 15-8 lead after one.

Andalusia continued to play strong, but the Lady Yellow Jackets found life and took a 24-23 lead at halftime.

The third period saw the life drain from the Lady Yellow Jackets and into the Lady Bulldogs. Several Andalusia players pitched in the third period to give the Lady Bulldogs a 32-30 lead heading into the final frame.

In the fourth, Thomas and Destene Shakespeare teamed up to push the Lady Bulldogs to the win.

Thomas led the Lady Bulldogs with 16 points in the win.

Alex Crittenden finished with 10 points, including three 3-pointers.

“There were spots in the first half that were O.K., but we played a complete game in the second half,” Andalusia head coach Brad Garner said. “Once we settled in we were able to move the ball better and find open shots. One thing I was really impressed with was the way the Alex (Crittenden) played against their best player. Alex pretty much shut her down in the second half of the game. I was really pleased with that, and overall I was proud of the way we played as a team. We are 1-0 in area now, and that is where it matters at this point.”