Andalusia’s Lady Bulldogs won their third straight Class 4A, Area 3 championship tonight with a 59-25 victory over rival Straughn at AHS.

The Lady Bulldogs were untouchable in the first period, strutting out to an early 12-0 lead with 4:39 remaining in the opening period.

AHS girls coach Bennie Shellhouse said getting to a good start was key tonight.

“When we got in the huddle, I said, ‘Let’s just go ahead and take them down right here, and play hard,’ ” Shellhouse said. “They were excited at the beginning so I knew they were going to play well the couple first quarters.”

Andalusia led 20-3 after the first period, and 30-10 at half time. By the end of the third period, the Lady Bulldogs led by 30 points at 45-15.

With this victory, Andalusia passes the 1988 team’s 18-win streak. The Lady Bulldogs set the new school record with 19 straight wins. Additionally, the Lady Bulldogs will host the sub regional tournament next Thurs., Feb. 17. Andalusia will face the runner up from the Class 4A, Area 4 tournament, which will be decided Mon., Feb. 14 when Brewbaker Tech and Alabama Christian face off in the area title game.

Straughn will travel to face the Area 4 winner.

Alison Daniels led Andalusia with 17 points.

Class 4A, Area 3 All-Tournament Team:

Anjelica Bonham, Tiffany Taylor and Jacie Williamson, Straughn; Alectricia Barnes, Alison Daniels, Shi’Amber Townsend and Alexis Horton, Andalusia.

Complete coverage of tonight’s game will be in the Tues., Feb. 15 edition of the Star-News.